Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus) is a hybrid perennial member of the buttercup family of hellebores. It got its name from the bloom season (in late winter to early spring) Lent) and the rose-like appearance of flower buds. With a large variety of flower colors available, contrasting with the deep evergreen foliage begins early in the year when many plants are still greening up, Lenten rose is a beautiful addition to any home landscaping or flower garden.
Botanical Name: Helleborus x hybridus
Common Name: Lenten rose
Type: Evergreen perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 inches tall, 18 inches wide
Sun Requirement: Exposure Part shade
Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Purple, red, yellow, green, blue, lavender, or pink
Hardiness Zones: 4–9 (USDA)
Toxicity: Toxic to people and animals
Characteristics of Lenten Roses
Lenten rose flowers are formed from their sepals rather than their petals, which means that the bloom will last longer, as long as ten weeks. They are large, around 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and hang down in clusters from thick stems. These stems are tall, rising above the leathery, dark green foliage, but the blooms weigh down the stems and flower near ground level.
Because the plants are early bloomers with a long season, many gardeners plant them in an easily viewed location. They are perfect for adding color in dark garden spaces or brightening the early spring.
Lenten Rose Varieties
A wide variety of colors and patterns are available. Blooms can be purple, red, green, yellow, blue, lavender, white, and pink. They can also be bicolored, spotted, or striped. Some varieties even have double flowers. They reseed easily, spreading small seedlings to fill the area. This makes them a beautiful choice for ground cover or edging.
There are few named cultivars of Lenten rose. Below are some of the most popular hellebore hybrids.
- Red Lady presents single petal flowers in a deep red shade.
- Pink Lady is a white, single petal flower with a slight pink blush.
- Mrs. Betty Ranicar is a showstopper with heavy, double-petal flowers in a crisp white.
- Windcliff Double Pink not only offers pink, double-petal flowers but also boasts mounded foliage.
- Christmas Rose is unique in that its white blooms open in late winter.
- Corsican Hellebore is known more for its foliage, which is coarser than most other varieties.
Lenten Roses Care Guide
Lenten rose grows slowly but self-seeds generously and propagates easily. If you buy seedlings directly from a nursery, you will typically see them blooming during their first year. Lenten roses grown from seed or propagation will take two or three years to produce a plant of flowering size. Plant your seedling either in early fall or late spring. If you propagate your plant, make sure that your clump has a good root section and sturdy above-ground stems. Those stems will likely flower the following spring.
Light Requirements
Hellebores are at the top of the list for shade perennials but can tolerate some morning sun or dappled afternoon sun. While many plants grow pale and lackluster in full shade, Lenten rose will keep its vibrant sepals and deep foliage in full to partial shade. They are often paired with hostas and coral bells in a shade garden underneath the canopy of deciduous trees.
Soil and Water Requirements
Lenten rose does best in well-drained soil and also drought tolerant once established. They like to be kept moist, but trapped excess moisture can lead to disease. They can tolerate dry conditions once planted, and mulch can be used to help keep the soil moist during the dry conditions of summer. Organic matter can be used to amend the soil before planting, and a balanced fertilizer or manure tea can be used throughout the growing season.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
While the deep green leaves are evergreen, harsh winters can result in tattered foliage. A light fabric covering or cold frame will protect them from stints of cold winds.
Common Pests and Diseases
Lenten rose is deer-resistant but does fall prey to various fungal diseases. They are particularly susceptible to leaf spot and crown rot. A preventative fungicide can be used early in the growing season. Allowing ample space between plants will keep any diseases from spreading throughout your whole bed.
Pruning
When the flowers start to brown at their tips, prune your Lenten rose back to the base of the plant. The evergreen foliage should be allowed to continue throughout the winter. When blossoms begin again in early spring, any browned and ragged foliage can be clipped away at the base.
Propagating
Because of how readily it self seeds, the Lenten rose is a great plant to propagate. While it grows slowly, new plants spring up freely. In the spring, dig up plants in a clump. Lenten roses take a few weeks to bounce back from being disturbed, so transplanting clumps of plants rather than individual larger plants helps them to transplant easier.
Lenten Rose Toxicity
All members of the Hellebore genus contain protoanemonin. This toxin can cause skin and gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, spasms, hepatitis, jaundice, and paralysis. It's listed as a class 1 (major toxicity) plant by poison control agencies. Large quantities need to be ingested to lead to death, so it's rare for humans to need to be concerned.
Deaths of pets and grazing livestock are not uncommon, however. Look out for drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, colic, and depression in animals. Mild symptoms should wear off within 24 hours, but seek veterinary care if you suspect many Lenten roses have been eaten.
For humans, skin contact is the more significant concern. The toxin can cause itchiness, rashes, and blisters, similar to poison ivy. Thoroughly washing the skin and using topical ointments should prevent serious reactions.
