Helleborus- The Lenten Rose

For those whose French is limited to munching on baguettes and the occasional donning of a beret,

 fleur de jour is French for “flower of the day”.  Alas, this post will not be a daily but weekly update onnew and otherwise must-have annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees for the garden.

But fleur de jour sounds much more beautiful than flower of the week (fleur de semaine).  So without further adieu…..

In the midst of the commonly cold and blustery weather associated with the month of March, we find ourselves blissfully enjoying sporadic afternoons of friendly sunshine, if only for a few hours at a time.  Sunny rays and patches of blue sky remind us that spring will come, and that the lackluster palate of grays and browns will eventually give way into a watercolor spring.  Are you ready to flourish your paint brush? 

For splendid spring color that stands out against drab snow and tired evergreens, Lenten Rose are the perfect perennial plants for a kick start of color.  Breaking through the snow in late winter/early spring they add a variety of color to beds and borders.  Their glossy, evergreen leaves also work to add year round structure to your landscape. 

Flower colors range from deep purples to cream and light green.  Blossoms can be double or single based on the variety.  New on the market his year are:

‘Merlin’ features single blossoms that emerge pink and then age to a deep burgundy

‘Onxy Odessy’ with dark purple double blossoms with red undertones

USDA Zones: 4a-9b

Exposure: morning sun/afternoon shade

Height: 12-18’’

Width: 15-18’’

Bloom time: late winter/early spring

Soil media: like most shade lovers, Hellebores prefer acidic to slightly acidic soil, but due to their easy-going nature, will survive in most soil conditions as long as the soil is well drained, and rich in organic matter

Water requirements: Hellebores are praised for their tolerance of neglect, but they perform best in evenly moist conditions

Photo attributions:

GAPphotos.com, Photographer Friedrich Strauss

National Garden Beauro Inc.  ngb.org

Terra nova Nurseries, terranovanurseries.com