Caring for Perennials: Helleborus (Hellebore, Lenten Rose, Winter Rose, Christmas Rose)

A Guide to Caring for Perennials: Helleborus (Hellebore, Lenten Rose, Winter Rose, Christmas Rose)

PLANTING: A winter blooming evergreen perennial for your early spring garden. Set plants 12 to 18 inches apart. There are about 20 species of Helleborus used primarily for decorative purposes and in pollinator gardens. Keep the root crowns at the soil level, not more than an inch deep. The root crown is the place where the stem joins the roots. Hellebore root crowns are susceptible to rot so avoid burying them.

MAINTENANCE: Lenten roses grow well in areas with good snow cover. Hellebores are shade-loving and deer-resistant plants that grow in well-drained soil under high-branched trees. Keep mulched year-round. The best site for growing Lenten rose is underneath deciduous trees. While the tree branches are bare in winter; plants receive full sunlight. When the tree grows back in summer, the plants become shaded. Hellebore can be moderately toxic if eaten in large quantities.

Where to plant: Light Requirements: Part-shade, Shade

Moisture Requirements: Moist, Well-drained

Soil Tolerance: Clay, Normal, Loamy, Poor

Spacing: Habit: Spreading, Height: 12-18 in Width: 12-18 in

Uses: Beds, Border, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Foundation, Ground Cover, Ornamental, Outdoor, Winter Interest

Bloom Start to End: Early Winter - Early Spring

General Planting Instructions

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