Helleborus Frostkiss® Vibey Velvet™

An evergreen perennial, Vibey Velvet™, a part of the Frostkiss® series, grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches, with a similar width, and adds color and texture to the garden year-round. Setting slightly smaller flowers than most of the series, the plant blooms heavily in a spectacular winter flush. Borne in singly on long, strong, deep-red stems above a basal rosette of leathery variegated leaves, the rich, burgundy-flecked, dark red flowers are nectar-rich and sustain early emerging bees. The flowers are long lasting in garden or vase, and they're perfect for a cut-flower winter bouquet.

Vibey Velvet is a Helleborus hybrid, commonly called hellebore or Lenten rose. One of the taller varieties in the series, Vibey Velvet hellebore has moderate to vigorous growth and an upright, mounding habit that's versatile in the garden. Although it's a lovely specimen in garden or container, it shows to best effect when massed or grouped in beds and borders. Vibey Velvet slowly spreads through rhizomatous roots—without becoming invasive—so it's a great ground cover that's ideal for planting beneath high-branched deciduous trees or large shrubs, where it's protected from winter winds.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, Vibey Velvet hellebore grows best in a location with dappled shade, but in mild summer climates, Frostkiss hellebores will also flourish in full sun as long as their roots are kept cool. The plant thrives in diverse growing conditions and adapts to various soils, including chalk, clay, and loam, but will not tolerate extremely wet, waterlogged soils. For best results, choose rich, moist, freely draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. The plant tolerates drought once established and resist damage from deer and rabbits.

Helleborus are early blooming evergreen perennials with nodding flowers that delight in your winter garden. Follow our expert's advice on Hellebore Planting and Care and learn more about these long-lived plants in our blog All About Hellebores.