One of the great things about Hellebores is that they are among the first plants to bloom in the garden. Their winter blooming habit and myth of an angel giving a blossom to a young shepherdess who had no gift for the infant Jesus, has earned them the nickname ‘Christmas Rose.’ Interest in these late winter/early spring beauties are said to show maturity in a gardener. I don’t know about that, but it does remind me of a story. A non-gardener friend of mine was with me when I was plant shopping. On a mission to buy up all the H. ‘Ivory Prince’ that I could find, I was elated when I spotted one. I picked it up and lovingly smiled at it (you plant nerds know what I’m talking about). Then, during ‘our moment’ I heard my friend who was standing behind me say “that’s ugly!” We’re still friends, but the Hellebores don’t care for him much.
I can understand his reaction. The plant had bloomed weeks prior, and all that remained was deep dark leathery foliage with silvery-grey veining. For a non-gardener, that would be no match for all the colorful annuals we zoomed past to get to my beloved Hellebore. Helleborus ‘Ivory Prince’ is still my favorite. I love it’s upright bloom, though many species have blooms that nod to the ground. Regardless, I think they’re pretty special because they bloom just when you need a little jolt to snap you out of the winter doldrums. Bloom time is generally between December and March, and the foliage is a great compliment to summer and fall flowering plants. Another great attribute of the Hellebore is the thick hardy foliage that stays green throughout winter (Zone 6 and above). Did I mention they love shade? A partially shaded location that offers dappled shade would suit them well– think beneath a tree canopy. I use them as a companion plant in the Hosta garden. Growing tip: Cut back the old foliage in late winter to fully enjoy the emerging flower stalks.
The genus Helleborus covers a group of perennial herbaceous plants that come from Europe and Asia. During the past decade, they have gained popularity in the US. In 2005, they were named ‘Perennial Plant of the Year’ by the Perennial Plant Association. You need to shop for them during bloom time to truly appreciate their appeal. Traditional bloom form is usually star shaped with 5 sepals (petals). As commercial hybridization increases, more doubles, semi-doubles, bi-colored and picatee varieties are finding their way into the market. A picatee is a flower whose edge is a different color than the flower’s base color. Buying Tip: Don’t buy unless you see a flower or a photo of the flower so you know exactly what you’re getting.
I believe that every garden has at least one spot for a Hellebore. Aside from blooming when most plants are still in winter dormancy, Hellebores are easy to grow and pretty carefree plants. And that my gardener friends, is an awesome Christmas present all it’s own! Happy Holidays from Hortus|5.
Image Key
- H. x hybridus Party Dress Group
- H. x hybridus Harvington Yellow Double Spotted
- H. x hybridus Harvington Double Red
- H. x. hybridus Harvington Yellow Speckled
- H. ‘Pirouette’
- H. x ericsmithii ‘Winter Moonbeam’
- Helleborus x. sternii Blackthorn Group
- H. x hybridus ‘Emerald Queen’
- H. Double Spotted
- H. x hybridus Harvington Double Chocolate
- H. x ericsmithii ‘Winter Sunshine’
- H. x hybridus Harvington Yellow