(syn. H. orientalis) Beginning its bloom toward the end of the Christmas Rose's long winter season, the Lenten Rose welcomes late winter in mild areas and very early spring farther north! The most popular Helleborus, it offers blossoms in a startling range of colors that includes pale green, cream, and maroon-speckled shades of rose! These 2- to 2 1/2-inch flowers are held out and slightly down, bell-fashion, on handsome evergreen plants in the shade garden.
As remarkable as their color is the blooms' longevity. They will stay fresh for months in the garden and weeks in the vase! The foliage is also long-lasting, because the plant self-sows, slowly spreading into a glorious carpet of 12- to 15-inch-tall rich dark green! It competes very well with tree roots, making it a valuable underplanting in the shade!
Select a site in at least part shade with moist, well-drained soil. The Lenten Rose is deer resistant, and the plants grow very easily if given a good start. Zones 4-9.
