Helleborus orientalis
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Tried and True Recommended by 6 Professionals
Common Name: hellebore
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Ranunculaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Native Range: Northeastern Greece, northern and northeastern Turkey, Caucasian Russia
Garden Location: U.S. Bank City Garden, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders, Jane and Whitney Harris Secret Garden
Height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, White
Bloom Description: White to pink to rose-purple with yellow stamens
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Dense Shade, Air Pollution, Deer
Uses: Will Naturalize

Culture

Best grown in organically rich, humusy, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Locate plants in areas protected from cold winter winds. Clumps establish fairly quickly. New plants can be obtained from division of the clumps (best in spring) and from seedlings which grow up around the plants as a result of self seeding. A slightly larger and much easier plant to grow than the similar, but earlier blooming, Helleborus niger.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lenten rose is a clump-forming, late winter-blooming perennial which typically grows 1-1.5' tall. Features large, cup-shaped, rose-like, usually nodding flowers (3-4" diameter) with center crowns of conspicuously contrasting yellow stamens. Flowers usually appear in clusters of 1-4 on thick stems rising above the foliage. Flower color is extremely variable, ranging from white to pink to light rose-purple, frequently with interior spotting. Palmate, serrate, leathery, 8-16" wide, glossy, basal, dark green leaves (7-9 leaflets) are evergreen in warm climates but deciduous in extremely cold winters. In the St. Louis area, plants will remain evergreen in moderate winters, but may become scorched and tattered in extremely cold weather, particularly if not insulated by snow cover. Blooms in late winter (sometimes when snow is still present) and continues into spring, with a long, 8-10 week bloom period. Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous.

Plant of Merit

A winter-flowering shade plant that possesses the unique ability to bloom in sub-freezing temperatures, often when snow is on the ground. Grows to 18 inches tall and features cup-shaped, 2 inch diameter, rose-like flowers ranging in color from white to rose-purple with center crowns of contrasting bushy yellow stamens. Blooms in February for 6-8 weeks. Palmate dark green leaves are evergreen. When massed, plants form an attractive ground cover. Locate near a kitchen window, patio or sidewalk for a therapeutic pick-me-up on dreary late winter days.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot and crown rot are occasional problems. A rugged and easy-to-grow plant.

Garden Uses

Clumps of Lenten rose blooming in February are true harbingers of spring. Locate plants near a kitchen window, patio or walkway so that the early bloom may be enjoyed to the fullest. Group in shady locations under trees or large shrubs, woodland gardens or border fronts. May also be incorporated into a naturalized area where clumps will slowly spread through self-seeding. May also be massed to form an attractive ground cover.

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