Hellebores - Lenten Rose - Christmas Rose

Hellebores, also known as Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose or Helleborus, is the darling of the winter garden. This vigorous perennial blooms in late winter and early spring before other plants have awakened. Delight in growing as a large swath among a woodland area, as a border or as edging planting. Hellebores have palmate foliage and grow in a soft mound shape to about 18" inches tall. Depending on the variety, flowers start as softly nodding cups of oval petals and either open in that position or rise to upward facing with maturity. Hellebores can be either single or double petal varieties. This plant prefers a part shade to full shade areas and moist soil that is very well drained. Seeds require a 4 to 6 week cold treatment to break dormancy and germinate properly. These winter superstars are deer resistant and sturdy once established. Please note that all parts of this plant are poisonous. Hellebores have come into trend as a cut flower and remain in high demand.