Helleborus Plants

Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) are a desirable addition to the shade garden in part because they bloom during the winter and early spring when much of the garden is dormant. More than 20 species and cultivars of Hellebores exist, ranging in hardiness from U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 9 depending on the species.

Regardless of the species, Helleborus plants are commonly herbaceous, or soft tissue. After about two years, the plants become established and are more tolerant of frost and drought. Hellebores self-seed easily but can also be propagated by division during the non-blooming months of summer. This may cause plants to need a period of time to become re-established.

Hellebores require moist, well-drained soil that is rich with organic matter. Adding mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture in the soil and serves as a protective layer for the roots. Plant Hellebores in a location where they will be protected from cold winter winds. Remove fallen leaves and other debris from the area surrounding plants to avoid disease. The stalks of spent flowers, those that have finished blooming, can be snipped off at the base of the plant and discarded; disinfect clippers with a 50:50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water before and after cutting.

A noteworthy characteristic of Helleborus plants is their toxic plant material. When working with plants, gloves should be worn to avoid getting an irritating rash, and plants should not be ingested.

Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) earned its common name based on the bloom season for this species -- Christmas time until spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and produces clusters of white, saucer-shaped flowers. Over time, those blooms can turn to shades of pink and make a nice cut flower. Christmas rose can reach a height and width of about 1 foot when full grown and requires part to full shade.

Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) is one of the more popular species. The leaves remain at the base of the plant while the cup-shaped flowers reach above. Established plants can reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide and can tolerate locations with part sun to full shade. Hardy through USDA zones 4 to 9, it blooms from March through April in shades of pink, green, cream and purple. However, many cultivars have been created through hybridization introducing a number of other color options.

Within the Helleborus orientalis species are many cultivars that have been hybridized to offer appealing characteristics. "Spotted Hybrids" is an unusual cultivar that reaches up to 20 inches in height and offers a variety of colors of spotted flowers. "Pine Knot" has yellow and white blooms; established plants are 12 to 18 inches tall. "Red Lady" is a popular cultivar reaching 20 inches tall -- the red blooms face up, as opposed to the commonly drooping blooms of other Helleborus plants, and are cup-shaped. Each of these cultivars grows best in USDA zones 4 through 9.