Hellebore (Helleborus) Pronunciation
(aka Lenten Rose)

Bloom Time - Late winter through early spring
Color - White, green, purple, pink
Foliage - Evergreen
Size - 1' - 3' ft. tall
Exposure - Partial sun or shade
Culture - Easy to grow in well-drained soil ammended with compost or well rotted manure. Drought tolerant once established.

Comments - Are you desperate for winter flowers but tired of pansies? Plant some hellebores. These gorgeous flowers usually begin appearing in February and last for months. They are available in an array of colors ranging from white, purple and pink. Many are beautifully shaded and others are speckled.

These low growers are excellent plants for path edgings, rock gardens or on the fringes of woodland gardens. They flourish in part shade and like a rich loamy soil ammended with organic matter. Once established they tolerate drought well and are excellent plants for one of the most difficult conditions - dry shade.

Helleborus hail from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and are comprised of over twenty species and numerous hybrids.

All parts of this plant are poisonous and the leaves can cause dermititis. Older leaves can be cut back in late winter (be careful not to cut the newer flower stalks) but wear gloves if your skin is easily affected.

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