Hellebores, an Early Spring Delight
Hellebores (Heleborous×hybridus) are low maintenance perennials in the buttercup family that offer beautiful spring blooms with handsome evergreen foliage on sturdy plants that never need staking and are seldom bothered by pests or diseases.
Hellebores (Heleborous×hybridus) are low maintenance perennials in the buttercup family that offer beautiful spring blooms with handsome evergreen foliage on sturdy plants that never need staking and are seldom bothered by pests or diseases.
Hellebores (Heleborous) are a small genus of about 20 species native to Europe and Asia. They are seldom used in landscaping as the hybrids (Heleborousxhybridus) have superior blooms and colors. These plants are what botanists refer to as Lenten Roses and what are commonly sold for inclusion in beautiful landscapes today.
Hellebores are some of the earliest plants bloom in the spring. They break through the frozen ground and appear beneath the receding snow. Before long, the buds break forth in an array of 1-2 inch blooms of color in an otherwise bland landscape. Because they bloom early, they are a first source of food for early pollinators. Flowers, some single and some double, can last for a month and come in green, white, pink, peach, and purple. Other blooms are speckled, spotted, and mottled; some have narrow margins of a darker color. Mature plants can produce upwards of 50 blooms per plant.
Once the blooms are done, they are followed by unique seed pods that have ornamental interest of their own. The seeds will ripen in late spring or early summer and drop to the ground. This is the easiest way to get new seedlings. The new seedlings can either be transplanted or left to enlarge the existing clump. If the bed is sufficiently large, simply remove the seed pods to prevent self-seeding. Since this is a hybrid plant, keep in mind that the new seedlings may have a different color flower than the mother plant.
Lenten roses will do best in partial to full sun, well drained, fertile soil. They grow to a height of 24 inches and 30 inches wide, making a fine taller ground cover. They can be planted as specimen plants or in masses between deciduous shrubs and trees. They combine nicely with other spring bulbs or annuals like begonia or cleome. The foliage will remain green all season, complimenting hostas and astilbe later in the season.
Hellebores can be planted in the spring. If clumps become too large and need to be divided, do so in the spring after flowering or in the fall; avoid the heat of the summer. Dig up the entire plant. Divide into sections, making sure there are at least three growth buds on each section. Replant each section promptly. Since these plants thrive on fertile soil, add some compost to each planting hole. Like all plants in this family, hellebores have alkaloids in the leaves and seeds that are a mild irritant to those individuals with a sensitivity. Therefore, wear gloves and long sleeves when handling them. The advantage to these alkaloids is that it makes the plants undesirable to deer, rabbits, and slugs.
Maintenance is minimal for these lovely plants. However, because the previous seasons foliage will be dried and unattractive, it is best to cut it to the ground in the spring before the new growth emerges. If soil tests indicate a need for fertilizer, do so in the spring. If they are planted in an unusually exposed area, mulch with a loose organic matter would be appropriate during the winter.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener