March Flower of the Month
One of four species and their hybrids, Lenten Rose is a herbaceous perennial in the Rununculaceae family. It is the perfect cure for long winters and cabin fever, heralding spring even before the daffodils. The name is derived from the fact that the blooms look similar to that of an old fashioned single rose. In addition these plants are often blooming during the Lenten season.
Flowers are most commonly white or lavender but breeders have developed crosses with shades of pink, plum, green, dark purple, red and yellow. Not only do hellebores bloom with the earliest crocuses and snowdrops, but long after, sometimes lasting from January through May. Blossoms are set off by handsome, glossy, evergreen leaves.
Height: 15 – 18 inches tall
Blooms late winter, early spring
Light: Partial shade to shade
Water: Drought tolerant once established but prefers evenly moist well drained soil. Water well during extended dry periods.
Soil: Generally enjoys slightly neutral to acidic soil. When planting, dig a liberal helping of compost or rotted manure into the soil.
Cold hardiness: USDA zones 4-9
Heat-tolerant in AHS zones 8-1
Resistant to deer, rabbits, and voles since all parts of the plant are toxic. Watch for slug or snail damage.
Lenten roses are long-lived plants and rarely need dividing. According to the Perennial Plant Association, established clumps of Lenten Rose can be left alone for up to 20 years. To enhance plant growth, they can be fertilized with a slow release fertilizer when new foliage begins to appear in late winter.
They self- seed easily but don’t expect seedlings to be true to parent type. Although division isn’t necessary, it is the best method for creating an exact duplicate of a particular plant. Divide in spring after blooming. Simply pull the crown apart with your hands. Keep the plant sufficiently watered.
The Hellebore was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2005 by the Perennial Plant Association, a national organization dedicated to the promotion of perennial plants.