Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Fastigiata' Ball – Japanese Plum Yew

Helleborus x glandorfensis 'Ice Breaker Max' is a vigorous evergreen winter-flowering perennial from the Ice N' Roses breeding group, commonly known as the Winter Rose or Lenten Rose. It is valued for its large outward-facing white flowers held clear of the foliage from late autumn through to early spring, and for its clean evergreen leaves and exceptional cold hardiness.

'Ice Breaker Max' is one of the earlier and longer-flowering hellebores, producing blooms from late autumn through winter and into early spring, typically May through September in Australia. Because it is sterile it does not put energy into seed, which extends the flowering display well beyond that of older hellebore varieties.

'Ice Breaker Max' forms a clump approximately 0.3 to 0.4 metres tall and 0.4 to 0.6 metres wide at maturity. Growth is moderate, and the plant develops into a fuller clump over two to three seasons. It is well-suited to the front of shaded borders, mass planting, and decorative pots.

Hellebores prefer part shade to full shade and are one of the best flowering perennials for shaded positions. 'Ice Breaker Max' grows well beneath deciduous trees, on the shaded side of a building and in shaded borders. It tolerates morning sun in cooler climates but should be protected from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage.

'Ice Breaker Max' performs best in cool to temperate climates including Melbourne, Adelaide, the tablelands, Gippsland, cool coastal NSW, the alpine high country and Tasmania. It is very frost hardy and flowers reliably through cold winters. It is not suited to tropical or subtropical Queensland, where the warmth and humidity prevent it from performing.

Yes. 'Ice Breaker Max' is excellent in pots on cool shaded patios, courtyards and balconies where its winter flowers can be appreciated up close. Use a quality potting mix, keep the pot in part to full shade, and water regularly through the warmer months without letting the pot sit waterlogged.

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist through establishment, then water as needed through dry periods. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early autumn to support flowering. Remove older tatty leaves in late autumn as the flower buds emerge, which shows off the flowers and freshens the clump. Mulch with an organic mulch and keep it clear of the crown.