photo by Deborah J. Benoit
Hellebores, which come in a variety of colors, grow best in partial shade to partial sun in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. – You may know them by different names such as Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) or Christmas rose (Helleborus niger). Don’t let those common names fool you. Hellebores (Helleborus x hybridus) aren’t related to roses at all. They’re actually part of the same family (Ranunculacaea) as buttercups, a wildflower you may be familiar with.
If you’re looking for an early-blooming, low-maintenance plant for your garden, look no further. A hellebore just might check off several requirement boxes on your plant wish list.
In late winter, you’ll first notice last year’s leathery, evergreen foliage making an appearance from beneath the receding snow. Not long after that, the buds of the new season’s flowers emerge, adding a splash of color in what otherwise can be a mostly monochromatic landscape.
Hellebores begin blooming in early spring, so they’re a first source of nectar for pollinators. Flowers can last more than four weeks. They come in a variety of colors, including green, white, pink, peach and purple.
photo by Deborah J. Benoit
Foliage damaged during the winter months can be pruned back in early spring after new buds appear.
Foliage damaged during the winter can be pruned back in early spring. New foliage will appear a couple of months after flower buds begin to emerge. At that time, the last of the prior year’s leaves should be removed to allow room for new growth.
Hellebores are hardy in U. S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9. Some hybrids can survive in Zone 3 if provided with a layer of mulch, and there’s adequate snow cover over the winter to provide insulation. Hellebores are long-lived perennial plants, so you can look forward to many years of enjoyment.
Like other perennials, hellebores can be planted in spring or fall, but avoid the heat of summer. They prefer to grow in locations offering partial shade to partial sun. If grown in full shade, expect fewer flowers. Avoid areas with full, direct sunlight.
Hellebores grow best in soil that contains a good amount of organic matter, so when planting include a layer of compost. Mulching will be beneficial. In addition, soil should drain well and have a neutral pH (around 7.0) to slightly alkaline (8.0).
If in doubt about your soil, have a soil test done before adding any amendments. It’s easy to do, and spring is the perfect time. More information on obtaining a soil test can be found at go.uvm.edu/soiltest.
Hellebores are slow spreading. They may naturalize in favorable conditions through self-seeding.
photo by Deborah J. Benoit
The flower buds of the hellebore, an early-blooming, low-maintenance plant, emerge in spring, adding a splash of color to an otherwise monochromatic landscape.
They grow in clumps up to about 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide at maturity, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Large clumps can be divided in the springtime after flowering or in the fall.
To do so, dig up the entire plant and remove as much soil as possible. Use a sharp blade to separate it into sections, being sure each includes at least three growth buds. Promptly replant each section as you would a new plant.
When working with hellebores, it’s a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves. The sap can be a skin irritant, and all parts of the hellebore plant are poisonous. Be sure to keep children and pets who might be tempted to nibble away from plants in the garden or those that are part of cut flower arrangements.
Hellebores are considered deer- and rabbit-resistant, so they’re a good choice in areas where wildlife grazing in the garden can be a problem. The flowers and their seedheads can make interesting additions to cut flower arrangements. No matter the season, their evergreen foliage can add interest to the garden all year long.
Deborah J. Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., who is part of the Bennington County Chapter.
