February can be a bleak time on the East Coast. Days are short and the sky hangs low on the horizon. But there’s a small-sized perennial whose early, colorful blooms never fail to lift my spirits. It’s the lovely, cup-shaped flower Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten Rose.
THE FOUR MAIN HELLEBORE SPECIES
The hellebore genus consists of around 20 species, but only four are typically available to the consumer. All are evergreen, deer-proof and frost-resistant. And depending on climate, they bloom anytime from mid-winter to early spring. Here’s a breakdown:
Corsican Hellebore
The largest of the genus, the Corsican hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius), features nodding, pale green flowers and clumping, holly-like foliage. It grows to about 4 feet tall and, unlike the other species, performs best in full sun.
Corsican hellebore
Stinking Hellebore
The unfortunately-named Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) attains a height of around 24 inches. Known for its dramatic foliage, its finely-cut leaves are divided into serrated fingers arranged like a fan. It produces long-lasting clusters of bright green, bell-shaped flowers and prefers shade.
Don’t crush the leaves, though, or they’ll emit an unpleasant odor.
Stinking hellebore
Christmas Rose
While most hellebores bloom in late winter or early spring, the aptly-named Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) blooms in mid-winter. Growing to between 12 and 15 inches tall, it produces large, flat flowers with bright yellow centers. The blooms lay close to the foliage and age from white to soft pink over time. Many say they bear an uncanny resemblance to fried eggs.
Christmas Rose
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) is the most common variety found at nurseries. Producing the showiest flowers, its many hybrids come in all colors, shapes and sizes. It grows to around 12 to 15-inches tall and over time will form clumps that can range as wide as 30 inches.
Lenten Roses do best in morning shade with afternoon sun.
Lenten Rose
There’s so much to love about Lenten Roses. During the winter, the plants’ tough evergreen leaves add structure to the garden. And come spring, some hybrids produce upwards of 50 flowers that persist for months. Here’s a tip – once you see the flowers start to emerge, cut off the winter foliage. The flowers shine on their own, and soon enough they’re surrounded by bright green spring foliage.
Incidentally, Lenten Roses also make great cut flowers. You can add them to an arrangement or float them in a bowl. They’ll last for days.
Ready to give Lenten Roses a try? Here are a some of the best varieties:
CONFETTI CAKE (Wedding Party Series)
Part of the Wedding Party Collection, Confetti Cake features large, upright-facing blooms on sturdy stems. Other colorful members of the Collection include Maid of Honor, Dark and Handsome and True Love.
Double hellebore ‘Confetti Cake’
ONYX ODYSSEY
If you like deep-hued flowers, the large, purplish-black double blooms of Onyx Odyssey are the ticket. Moreover, the flowers won’t fade over time, making this variety a long-lasting companion to other spring-blooming bulbs and perennials.
Onyx Odyssey/Burpee.com
GOLDEN LOTUS
Part of the Winter Jewels Collection consisting of spectacular single and double varieties, Golden Lotus features fluffy, double lemon yellow petals often streaked or edged with burgundy. Pair it with Onyx Odyssey for a striking effect.
Helleborus Golden Lotus/Perennials.com
IVORY PRINCE
Shorter and more compact than the other hybrids, the deep pink buds of Ivory Prince open to single white blossoms touched with rose and chartreuse. The upward facing flowers make a soft statement in the garden.
Helleborus Ivory Prince/Walmart.com
RED RACER
Part of the Winter Thriller series, Red Racer features oversized velvety-crimson blooms over dark mahogany foliage. It is regarded as the truest red variety around.
Helleborus Red Racer
WHERE AND HOW TO PLANT
Hellebores are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. However, they perform best in partial shade. All species will expand exponentially each year, achieving a small, shrub-like shape over time.
As is the case with most plants, well-draining soil is key. Never plant in saturated soil. And make sure to bury the crown slightly beneath the surface. But don’t bury it too low, or it will hinder flower production.
In addition to good drainage, your hellebore will benefit from an annual application of manure or compost to boost flower production.
CARING FOR HELLEBORES
Maintaining your hellebores is easy and rarely requires more than removing dead leaves. I trim off last year’s foliage just as new shoots are appearing. As a result, the flowers bloom ahead of the leaves. Hellebores look especially attractive when combined with other spring blooming bulbs, like snowdrops and daffodils.
New shoots and blooms of a purple hellebore variety
HELLEBORES ARE TOXIC IF EATEN
Like many ornamental plants, hellebores can be moderately toxic if eaten in large quantities. On the other hand, their unpleasant taste tends to deter animals (including deer!) Although rarely fatal, large quantities can prove noxious. For more information about pets, the hellebore genus and false hellebores, go to wagwalking.com’s comprehensive information.
Looking for more? Check out my instagram at carole.herebydesign to see photos of my designs and tips on what to plant where.