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Hibernus

/hy-BER-nus/
🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate

Also known as: hiberna, hibernum

A seasonal epithet indicating the plant is at its best — or uniquely active — during winter. Plants with this epithet often flower in the depths of winter when little else is in bloom, making them among the most cherished in the garden. Appears as hibernus (masculine), hiberna (feminine), or hibernum (neuter).

Etymology

From Latin hibernus, meaning "of winter" or "wintry," from hiems (winter).

Example

Erica carnea 'Hibernica' and Galanthus nivalis, the snowdrop — often described as a hibernal plant — both emerge and flower in the heart of winter.

Example Plant

🌿Helleborus hiemalis