Lenton roses or Hellebores are cherished landscape plants. They are one of the first perennials to bloom in the home landscape, often blooming in March in Iowa. The nodding or outward-facing flowers are available in various colors and remain throughout the spring months. Hellebores are also prized for their thick, serrated, dark green leaves that persist throughout the winter. Few perennials have evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves in the Midwest.
Attributes | Site & Growing Conditions | Potential Problems | Species & Cultivars | More Information
Attributes
The showy part of the flower is the sepals (not petals), which remain on the plant for several months. Sepal colors include green, white, yellow, pink, lavender, purple, mauve, burgundy, black, and bicolors. Most selections are cold hardy to zones 4-9 in the US. In colder zones there may be more winter damage to the evergreen leaves if not protected.
Plants are typically 1-2 feet tall and are best planted 2 feet apart. They work well when planted in groups near other shade-loving perennials like Hosta. Plants often take 3-5 years to reach maturity, although they typically bloom within a couple of years of planting.
Site & Growing Conditions
Hellebores prefer partial to full shade with fertile, well-drained soils. Choose a location with shade from deciduous trees and protection from winter winds. They bloom so early that the flowers are often overlooked if they are not close to a window or entryway near the house. Blooms are rarely bothered by snow or frost. If the leaves are damaged over the winter, they can be removed in early spring to showcase the emerging flowers. New leaves will emerge in spring as well.
Soils amended with organic matter or compost are best and aid in the quick establishment of plants. Hellebores are fairly drought tolerant once established, but additional irrigation will be needed in the first couple of years. Hellebores dislike disturbance after planting, so choose a permanent location for plants.
Potential Problems
Hellebores are rarely disturbed by deer and rabbits. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous or potentially toxic to people or pets if ingested. Hellebores have few diseases or insect pests, though they can die quickly in waterlogged soils due to root rots.
Selections
There are over 20 species of Hellebores, most of which are native to regions scattered throughout Europe and Asia. However, most of what is sold are selections from hybridizing several species.
I have never met a Hellebore that I didn’t like! Many cultivars are grouped into different series of Lenten roses. A brief overview of a few series is listed below. Check your local garden centers for the cultivars currently available. Almost all of them are exceptional landscape plants.
Frostkiss
Frostkiss is a series noted for its single flowers and marbled foliage. The flowers are typically outward-facing and atop the leaves with silver, cream, or pink markings. Check out ‘Anna’s Red’ for plum-colored flowers or ‘Danas Dulcet’ for pinkish markings on the leaves.
Honeymoon
Honeymoon is a series noted for single flowers in vibrant colors or combinations. Check out ‘Romantic Getaway’ for burgundy flowers edged in white, ‘California Dreaming’ for yellow flowers, or ‘New York Night’ for dark purple or black flowers.
Wedding Party
Wedding Party has a whole host of cultivars named after members of the wedding party or parts of the wedding ceremony. Plants are noted for their double rows of sepals in various colors. Check out ‘Maid of Honor’ for pink-purple double flowers, ‘True Love’ for double flowers in burgundy, or ‘Confetti Cake’ for double cream-colored flowers with burgundy sprinkles.
Winter Thriller
Winter Thriller has a wide range of single and double flowers. ‘Sunshine Ruffles’ is a double yellow flower with pink edges to the sepals, while ‘Mango Magic’ has apricot flowers with pink veining.
Winter Jewels
Winter Jewels is another series with a variety of cultivars. ‘Black Diamond’ is noted for its dark burgundy to black flowers, while ‘Cotton Candy’ is noted for its double pink flowers with burgundy speckles.