How to pronounce this in Belgian?

[annew]

I was looking at my Hamamelis 'Jelena' today, and wondering how to pronounce the 'Jelena' part. It s named for Jelena de Belder, a Belgian plant hunter.
Is it Jell-ena, Jell-ena, Yell-ena, Jell-eena, Yell-eena.....?

[John85]

Anne
Do you want the Flamish or the French pronunciation because there isn't something like the Belgian language.I remember talking to her in both languages.
But as Jelena is from Yougoslavian origin I guess that would be the best way to prononce it.

[Maggi Young]

If anyone cares : I say  - Yaylayna     

[LucS]

If anyone cares : I say  - Yaylayna     

Try  "jee-lee-na" with a Belgian "j" and not an English "dz"

[annew]

But as Jelena is from Yougoslavian origin I guess that would be the best way to prononce it.

Which way is that? 

[annew]

Try  "jee-lee-na" with a Belgian "j" and not an English "dz"

What is a Belgian 'J'?
I'm getting very confused. 

[johnw]

What is a Belgian 'J'?
I'm getting very confused. 

Same as the Dutch J.  Maggi will know it, of that I am certain.

[Hoy]

Anne, don't be confused. Try a Norwegian j. Then "je" in Jelena is like "ye" in yellow. Very easy.

[Steve Garvie]

Try yodeling (or is it Jodeling?) a Swiss J!

[Maggi Young]

Same as the Dutch J.  Maggi will know it, of that I am certain.

 Oh yes, I know that one!

[Maggi Young]

Anne, have you thought of getting rid of that  plant and growing 'Diane'   instead?   

[Alan_b]

A few months ago i enquired about the correct pronunciation of a botanical term applied to snowdrops and was roundly taken to task for the notion that there could ever be a single correct pronunciation.  On that basis I would say that it doesn't matter how you pronounce it except when you are speaking to the lady in question in which case try to get her to introduce herself first and then pronounce her name the same way she does.   

[Maggi Young]

Very likely a good idea - were one to meet the lady. It's not quite the same as the speaking of a latinised term, though, I guess!

[krisderaeymaeker]

Jelena did so much for the Belgian horticulture and her garden in Kalmthout is stil a holy place. She died in 2003 and I was so lucky to meet her twice.
About the Belgian 'J' ,............. simply like "yes " .
So you can use your own language in a certain way ....

[Maggi Young]

I have a lovely plant of Hamamelis  x intermedia 'Jelena' and in the sunshine the other day "she" was just glowing with a mass of beautiful  flowers.  One of my favourite  shrubs here - I love the way you catch the scent but you hardly spot the flowers until the sun hits them when they suddenly are ablaze with colour and you cannot understand how you could have missed them before.