Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as lenten rose or hellebore, flowers in February to April with sepals of red, pink, lavender, purple, blue, yellow, or even green. Because this color occurs on sepals (not the petals), it’s quite long-lasting. Add to this the shiny, leathery, evergreen leaves, and you have a perennial that offers interest beyond the initial early blooming period. Lenten rose, so named because it flowers near the season of Lent in some regions, grows to about 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. It is a good plant for woodland locations or planted beneath shade trees or large shrubs.
- Name: Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
- Color Varieties: White, cream, yellow, pink, rose, purple, maroon with yellow stamens
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade in summer; part sun in winter
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
- Toxic to: Humans and pets