FrostKiss™ Pippa's Purple Hellebore

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Hellebores are the earliest blooming perennials in the garden. They defy snow and cold to open up their sturdy but delicately marked petals and announce that spring is near. Pippa’s Purple Hellebore is part of the Frostkiss™ series and is the absolute earliest Hellebore to bloom. The compact and diminutive size of Pippa’s Purple Hellebore makes it perfect for growing in a pot with other early bulbs or for tucking into corners of a shady garden that could use a midwinter lift. Although the white-marbled foliage is semi-evergreen, the dusty-mauve flowers emerge well before new leaves and are hardy in USDA zones 5-8. 

Hellebores are easy to care for and demand little maintenance throughout the growing season. They are resistant to most pests and diseases and are rarely bothered by deer. Frostkiss™ Hellebore is drought tolerant when mature and does not need fertilizing more than once a year to encourage strong, healthy growth. 

Frostkiss™ Pippa’s Purple Hellebore Care

Choose a location with well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Plant Hellebores under deciduous trees where they can receive part to full shade in the summer and part to full sun in the winter. Mulch around the root zone with 2-3 inches of organic compost or shredded leaves. This will help the soil retain moisture and stay cooler during the summer. Fertilize with a granular slow-release formula, which will slowly feed the plants through the growing season. Hellebores need an application early in the fall to encourage flower formation early in the winter. 

Hellebores require little pruning and deadheading during the growing season. At the end of the summer, cut back any damaged or dead foliage to the ground, being careful not to disturb the forming flower buds. After flowering is over in the spring, deadhead the spent blooms by cutting the stem to the ground. 

Frostkiss™ Pippa’s Purple Hellebore Spacing

Frostkiss™ series is bred to be compact, sturdy, and perfect for container planting. The mature height and spread are 18-24 inches. Choose a pot with a diameter of 10 diameter if planting singly. Space plants at 16 inches on the center when planting in a garden bed.