Hellebores

Helleborus x hybridus – double

One of the main foundation plants in our garden is Helleborus x hybridus, the Lenten Rose. We probably have close to 200 because we use them in almost every bed. What I like is the fact that they are evergreen and the foliage looks good year-round. The foliage is also quite bold so it stands out in the garden. When we moved from Seattle we brought a full truck load of just hellebores from our old garden. They were looking good in the garden in January and then we got a couple different snows with cold temperatures in February. Once the snow was gone, they slowly perked right back up and are still looking great now. Helleborus x hybridus was chosen in one of the early years of “Great Plant Picks’ because it is such a fine performer. Here are some of the facts from ‘Great Plant Picks’.

Helleborus x hybridus – yellow double

Outstanding Qualities

This hellebore features gently nodding mid-winter flowers that may be white, purple, yellow, green, or pink. The handsome palmate, leathery, green foliage is great in combination with ferns and hostas in the woodland garden. One of the classic winter-blooming plants, it looks especially good planted under winter- and early spring-flowering deciduous shrubs like witch hazels, Viburnum x bodnentense ‘Dawn’, Cornus mas, or any of the colored twig dogwoods. Also interplant with Cyclamen coum and early flowering minor bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses, scilla, and eranthus. Cut foliage to the ground in December so that flowers are displayed unobstructed. Lenten rose will spread by seeding and exceptional plants can be divided in November. Hellebore breeders are constantly improving this hellebore, so buy them in flower so that you can choose the brightest and most clear colors. Double-flowering types are quickly making their way into the marketplace as well. This adaptable, satisfying plant is a must for every garden.

Helleborus x hybridus

Culture Notes

Lenten rose grows best in full sun to light or open shade. It prefers a rich well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy or clay soil if the drainage is adequate. It is a heavy feeder and appreciates regular fertilizing and regular watering during dry weather. The leaves are evergreen, but should be cut to the ground in December or early January to allow the best viewing of the flowers. Faded flowers can be cut back in late April. They will reseed, but often seedlings are not as nice as the parent plant. As the seedlings develop and bloom, it pays to be ruthless and only allow the best and prettiest seedlings to remain. Quick FactsPlant type: perennialPlant size: 18 inches X 24 inchesHardiness: zones 5 to 10Flower color: green, pink, purple, white, yellowLight exposure: sun to open shadeWater requirement: water during the dry season