Helleborus orientalis
Common name: Lenten rose
Zones 4 to 9.
Light to moderate shade.
Mature clumps reach 12 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide.
2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Round, upright flowers bloom in shades of shades of red, pink, white, yellow and purple.
Cup-shaped, long lasting flower blooms appear in late winter to early spring, over mounds of glossy, thick, leathery semi-evergreen leaves.
Helleborus prefer alkaline, medium wet, well-drained, organically rich, fertile soil. Plant them on a raised spot to admire their nodding flowers and so the heavy seeds will spread downhill. Try to decide on a good home early, as Helleborus does not like to be moved. Tolerates summer heat, humidity and dry conditions, but protect from winter winds.
Enjoy cut flowers while promoting new foliage growth. Use in mass as ground cover, in rock gardens, as a border, in containers. Also deer and rabbit resistant.
Helleborus may have been used as protection against witches, madness and evil spirits, as well as for many medicinal purposes, but -- CAUTION: Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous, and may cause skin irritation. |
