Hellebore Flowers Offer Beautiful Late-Winter Blooms

Botanical name:

Helleborus spp.

Common names:

Lenten rose, Christmas rose. Hellebores get their common name, Lenten rose, from the rose-like flowers that appear in early spring around the Christian observance of Lent.

Zones:

4 to 9; evergreen in warmer regions (6 to 9)

Exposure:

Partial to full shade

Habit:

Clumping, with upright flower stems and dense basal foliage

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches tall and wide

Bloom time:

Late winter to early spring

Flowers:

Nodding or outward-facing cup-shaped blooms in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, yellow, and green, often speckled or veined. Some varieties are double-flowered for an extra showy display.

Foliage:

Evergreen, deeply lobed, leathery dark green leaves, sometimes tinged with burgundy.

Are hellebores poisonous?

All parts of the plant contain toxins that can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested.

Are hellebores rabbit and deer resistant?

Yes, hellebores are resistant to deer and rabbits due to their toxic foliage.

• Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis): Classic species with outward-facing blooms in a variety of colors.
• Christmas rose (Helleborus niger): Early-blooming white flowers that turn pink with age.
• Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus): Unique greenish flowers and deeply cut foliage.
• Hybrids (Helleborus x hybridus): A wide range of hybrid colors and patterns, including double-flowered varieties.

When to plant:

Plant hellebores in early spring or fall when the weather is cool, allowing time for root establishment.

Where to plant:

Select a site with dappled or partial shade and well-draining soil. Hellebores thrive under deciduous trees, where they receive winter sun and summer shade.

How to plant:

• Loosen the soil and amend with compost for improved drainage and fertility.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
• Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any bound roots.
• Place the plant so that the crown sits just below the soil surface. Planting too deeply can hinder flower production.
• Backfill, gently firm the soil, and water well.
• Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Soil:

Rich, moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5) is ideal.

Amendments and fertilizer:

An annual application of compost or well-rotted manure in fall will help to boost the growth of your hellebores. A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be used in early spring.

Watering:

Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, hellebores are drought tolerant but appreciate occasional deep watering in dry spells.

Pruning and deadheading:

In late winter or early spring, just as new growth stalks are emerging, any old or damaged foliage can be sheared back to the base. Remove spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding.

Pests and diseases:

Hellebores are generally pest-resistant but may be bothered by aphids, slugs, or black spot in humid conditions. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Seasonal care:

• Spring: Remove any damaged foliage, apply compost, and fertilize as new growth emerges.
• Summer: Provide occasional deep watering if conditions are dry, but hellebores can tolerate some drought.
• Fall: Apply mulch around plants to insulate roots, particularly in colder regions.
• Winter: In harsh climates, protect young or container-grown plants with burlap or frost cloth during extreme cold snaps.