Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis)

If you want a medium sized plant for your border that blooms in the winter, this is the plant for you. The leaves are large and handsome so the plant earns its keep year round. Good in borders and can be massed as a ground cover.

Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Bloom: Rose, pink, lavender, burgundy, and lettuce green; may be speckled with a darker color; winter, early spring.

Size: 18” H x 18” W.

Light: Needs shade in the summer but sun in the winter so grows best under a deciduous tree.

Soil: Fertile, high in organic matter, moist, well drained; pH 6.5 to 8.5 (slightly acid to somewhat alkaline).

Fertilizer: Apply organic compost in the spring and fall.

Hardiness: Zones 4-9.

Care: Mulch in spring and fall to conserve moisture; add organic matter and nutrients; give water during dry spells; may need lime if grown in acid soils so apply lime immediately after blooming.

Pests and Diseases: None of significance.

Propagation: Self seeds easily and seedling may be transplanted; if you must move one, do so immediately after blooming.

Companion plants: Spring bulbs such as crocus, grape hyacinth, Galanthus elwesii; bergenia, brunneras.

Outstanding Selections: ‘Queen of the Night’ (deep red velvety petals with bright yellow stamens).

Comments: All parts of the plant are poisonous; resent being transplanted; may take 2 years to become established and bloom well but becomes somewhat drought resistant; long lived.

Tagged as: Helleborus orientalis, Lenten rose