What is the legend of Melampus?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

March 10, 2003

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Lenten rose is a name applied to Helleborus orientalis Lamarck, a plant native to Macedonia, Thrace, and Asia Minor. The common name refers to its bloom time and to differentiate it from the Christmas rose or Christe Herbe (Helleborus niger Linnaeus), a name given according to Gerard, because the plants "floureth about Christmasse..." Hellebores often bloom in snow.

Hellebore is an ancient Greek name. In Gerard's day, hellebore was applied to at least six plants; two are obviously what we consider hellebores. These, Gerard called "black hellebor", dividing them into "true" and "wilde".

Black Hellebore or Christmas Rose Used to Cure Mental Afflictions Since 1400 Bc William Curtis Buy Giclee Print at AllPosters.com

According to Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, Helleborus "contain cardiac glycosides that cause violent purging (diarrhea), delirium, convulsions, and death from respiratory failure. The main cardiac stimulant is hellebrin." (Medical Botany, Plants Affecting Man's Health, 1977, Wiley and Sons)

The black hellebores were used for what in Gerard's day, 1597, was called madness. "Black Hellebor purgeth...flegme, choler (anger believed caused by over-production of bile), and melancholy especially, and all melancholy humors, yet not without trouble and difficultie: therefore it is not to be given but to robustious and strong bodies....Hellebor is good for mad and furious men...."

Apparently it was long-standing medical tradition to treat depression or psychiatric problems with violent toxins. Black hellebore's traditional use, Gerard related back to Dioscorides (1st century) who credited the discovery to the ancient legend of "Melampos...first thought to purge therewith Proetus his mad daughters, and to restore them to health." (The Herbal, 1633 edition)

Legend says the daughters of King Proetus and the other women of Argos were seized with madness. The men ran down the women and Melampus treated them by purification, the rite of cleansing the body by purging. The surviving women were 'cured'. For this, Melampus and his brother, Bias, were given the daughters of Proetus and two-thirds the kingdom of Argos.

Missouri Botanical Gardens has gardening help and photographs (scroll down) of Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis. To view the flower, click on the link:

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=D100

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Royal Helleborus Mix

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What a wonderful way to begin the perennial bloom season. Also known as the Lenten rose, Royal Helleborus Mix adds a burst of color to the late winter, early spring landscape.

Flower Color: Purple, red, near black, white, green, pink or yellow.

This easy-to-grow mix features foliage that looks good all season long. Terrific for shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Long-lived plants grow 15-18" high with a similar spread. Perfect best in moist, fertile soil.

Shipped in 3" pot. Deer tend to avoid. Helleborus orientalis Zone 4 to 9

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Helleborus Lady Collection

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Also known as the Lenten rose, Helleborus is great for beginner gardeners. Growing 14-18'' high with a similar clumping spread, these carefree plants will multiply annually. Pest and disease free, helleborus prefer rich, slightly alkaline soil but are well adapted to a wide range of evenly moist soils. Plant in partial to full shade and space plants about 18" apart. For best results, choose a protected site out of drying winds. Helleborus is winter hardy in Zones 4-9 and can survive in Zone 3 in a sheltered site with reliable snow cover.

Helleborus reseeds readily. For more plants, simply collect the seedlings and replant them to a new location while they are still small. Mature plants may be divided in the spring or fall.

Each collection includes one each of the following:

Red Lady
Spotted Lady
Blue Lady
Pink Lady
Yellow Lady

5 plants in total.

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Maki Dahlia

Breck's Bulbs®

Maki is the most astonishing decorative dahlia we offer, with enormous blooms measuring up to 10" in diameter. Light pink blooms are enhanced by dark pink streaks. Deliver an abundance of lateseason flowers that last for up to two weeks. Pick just one of these flamboyant blooms to create an instant bouquet. #1 clumps.

Light: Sun to Partial Shade
Height: 3-4’
Bloom Time: Summer to Frost
Zone : 3 – 10

Deer Resistant. Lift in fall if you live in Zones 3-7.

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