Lenten rose
Helleborus orientalis
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Purple-red to plum-purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) is a perennial for shade gardens, borders, ground cover, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It forms a clump of evergreen green leaves that stays 12 to 18 inches tall. Purple-red to plum-purple flowers open from winter into spring and attract bees. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Foam flower, Christmas fern, and Tete-a-Tete daffodil.
Native range
Northeast Greece and Turkey to Caucasus).