| Commonly called Lenten Rose, Helleborus are a | | | | hardiness for this species is Zone 3-8, making it a |
| versatile plant that has many unique features. These | | | | versatile and easy species to grow most anywhere. |
| plants are often times thought of as the aristocrats | | | | Helleborus viridis or Green Helleborus grow to a height |
| of the winter and early-spring time garden. The | | | | of 10" in height with 6"-8" long leaves. This is a quaint |
| foliage is quite attractive throughout the summer | | | | little plant with flowers clustered in nodding groups, |
| months, and has unique winter appeal as well. Be | | | | 1"-2" green flowers bourn from leafy stems a |
| aware, that all parts of these genera are poisonous. | | | | deciduous one 5-8. |
| Many species produce persistent above ground | | | | How to grow Helleborus Plants of the Helleborus |
| stems; while others grow from creeping underground | | | | genera are quite commonly long lived and easy to |
| rhizomes with flowering stems that are short lived. | | | | care for, offering foliage and flower interest to any |
| Those with persistent stems produce flower buds at | | | | perennial garden. Plants need to be planted in moist, |
| the top of the stems in the fall. The buds of the | | | | well drained soils, somewhat sandy, and humus rich in |
| rhizomatous species emerge as temperatures | | | | partially shaded areas. Most species will tolerate |
| moderate in early spring. Helleborus bear flowers | | | | deeper shade if grown in an area getting most |
| which consist of five very attractive petal like sepals | | | | sunlight early in the season before the leaves of |
| which are surrounded by leafy bracts, or modified | | | | trees emerge. They will tolerate slightly alkaline to |
| leaves. | | | | slightly acidic soils. If the stemmed species loose |
| Here I have included three particular varieties that | | | | vigor, cut them back to the ground to allow for new |
| may be of special interest, although the genera | | | | shoots to emerge. Plants will take 1-2 years to |
| consist of countless varieties to choose from. Some | | | | establish themselves, however dislike being disturbed. |
| which are special hybrids, thus a bit more expensive | | | | Division of clumps should only be done for purposes |
| than the simple and common varieties, others | | | | of propagation in the spring. |
| available at more moderate cost. | | | | Landscape uses |
| Helleborus orientalis: this common Helleborus blooms in | | | | Plants will bloom throughout the winter and spring |
| the early springtime just as the new leaves begin to | | | | depending upon climatic conditions. You can combine |
| emerge. The nodding bells are usually reddish purple | | | | them with flowering shrubs that have attractive bark |
| to a very deep rose color. Unlike other Helleborus, | | | | and early flowers. Such plants like Red and yellow |
| this species is quite easy to divide when necessary, | | | | Twig Dogwood, Service berry, and purple leaved |
| and often self sow generously. Zone hardiness for | | | | shrubs are good choices. Personally I like them when |
| this species is 3-8 | | | | mass planted using 6-8 plants in a grouping. Be careful |
| Helleborus niger: Commonly called Christmas rose, | | | | not to plant large flopping perennials near Helleborus |
| grows to a height of 1'-1 ½' tall; leaves to 1' long. | | | | which will smother and cause various disease |
| This species is a rhizomatous variety consisting of | | | | problems. |
| deep green leaves. The 2"-3" white flowers originate | | | | Considering all perennials available for consideration, I |
| singly on succulent stalks originating from the crown | | | | think you will enjoy these special little beauties in your |
| or center of the plant in winter or early spring. The | | | | perennial garden or natural shade garden. Enjoy and |
| flowers fade to pink and are persistent. Plant | | | | Happy Gardening. |