Lenten rose showcases its winter color
The Hellebore (Hellebores) is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes buttercups. Because their roselike flowers bloom from February through May, hybrid hellebores have the common name Lenten rose (H. orientalis), in reference to the Christian observance of Lent.
While native to sunny Greece, Turkey and Eastern Europe, these perennials prefer light sun and shade in USDA Zones 4-9. They remain evergreen in USDA Zones 6-9.
Rich, moist well-drained soil keeps hellebores growing year-round. Hellebores grow to approximately 1.5 feet in height and width. Bloom size is approximately 3 to 4 inches, and the pollen is collected by honey bees out for cleansing flights in late winter and early spring. Flower colors vary from black and dark purple to lighter shades of pink and white.
Hellebores can be purchased from local nurseries and greenhouses throughout the growing season. Prior to transplanting hellebores from their pots to the ground, select sites that are light sun/shade and have rich, well-draining soil. Planting hellebores on a hillside or raised bed improves the appreciation of their downward-facing blooms.
Dig holes deep enough to cover the crowns only; planting hellebores too deeply inhibits their blooming. Shake away any potting mix or soil from the crowns, and separate bound or curling roots.
Place the hellebore gently into the soil, assuring that just the crown is covered with soil. Water the plants thoroughly and throughout the spring and fall during their growth periods.
Cut back on watering hellebores in the summer when they are dormant. Apply compost annually to enhance growth. Hellebore leaves have a leathery texture, and these leaves can be trimmed back in late winter prior to the appearance of new leaf growth.
Flower buds emerge in January and open in February. The “bloom” of the hellebore are the sepals that protect the true flowers.
Hellebores can self-seed. This self-seeding may result in hybrid hellebores if different varieties of hellebores are grown near each other.
To prevent the unwanted hybrids, thin out new seedlings that are near the original plants.
Self-seeding plants should bloom after three years. Hellebores typically do not require dividing or transplanting. Move or divide hellebores in the fall, or just leave them where they are growing.
Hellebores are poisonous and should be planted away from pets and small children. Hellebore roots have properties that may cause vomiting (emetic) when eaten.Hellebore leaves produce alkaloids, which are unappetizing to deer, rabbits and other small animals. Coupled with being deer resistant, having insignificant disease and pest problems, and tolerating poor growing conditions, hellebores are must-haves for Western Pennsylvania gardeners.Because hellebores retain their green foliage year-round, their serrated-edged, leathery leaves provide interest in the shade garden. Hellebores pair nicely with spring bulbs, such as snowdrops, crocus, muscari, daffodils and trillium Bleeding hearts, and their flowers provide height and color in contrast to hellebores.In the summer, hellebores fill in with hostas, bugle weed, phlox and other shade-loving summer perennials. Autumn shade perennials that contrast with hellebores' size, shape and color include ligularia, anemone and ferns.There are many hellebore varieties boasting dramatic blooms in a spectrum of shapes, colors and sizes. Visit garden websites that sell hellebore plants and choose colors and sizes that would complement your existing shade perennial gardens.Hard and paperback books about hellebores might be worth reading to learn more about these stunning perennials that perk up the winter landscape and keep away the deer.If you have questions about hellebores or shade perennials, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, RN, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.
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