Hellebore
Uses:
- Shade Gardens
- Borders
- Woodland Areas
Features:
- Deer & Pest Resistant
- Fragrant Blooms
- Long Lasting Flowers
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Less Than 4 Hours of Direct Sun
- North Sides of Homes
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Hellebore (commonly referred to as Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose) is a winter hardy shade perennial perfect for a woodland garden. This evergreen plant provides beautiful rose-like blooms at a time when other plants’ blooms are scarce.
Why Buy Hellebores Online
Hellebores are native to Europe and western Asia and consist of approximately 20 species of herbaceous or evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Hellebores are great because it is low maintenance and provides winter interest when other flowers are not in bloom. Hellebore plants (Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose) are perfect for a shade garden. This double flower plant blooms in any color out there, including the black shade that we offer.
The Best Way to Use Hellebores
Hellebores are a low growing plant (12-18 inches high) and are great when planted on slopes and hillsides. Hellebore foliage is evergreen and forms a low clump with leaves that are lobed and palm-like. The flowers resemble roses in shape. Flower stems shoot up above the foliage but nod under the weight of the flowers, which tend to bloom face down. It grows nicely in raised beds or along walkways as long as the area has partial shade and the soil is well draining. Hellebore plants are winter hardy and grow in zones 3-9. Pest and deer resistant, this plant is one of the first to bloom in early spring.
Use in a shade garden area
Blooms in late winter, early spring
Available in almost any color
Typically grows 12-18 inches high
Growing zones 3 to 9
About Hellebore
Genus
Species
Family
Helleborus
Helleborus orientalis, Helleborus niger, Helleborus foetidus, Helleborus argutifolius, Helleborus viridis, Helleborus x hybridus, Helleborus lividus, Helleborus cyclophyllus, Helleborus multifidus, Helleborus vesicarius
Ranunculaceae
Common Names:
Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose
Native To:
Europe, Asia Minor, and parts of the Mediterranean
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Evergreen/ Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flower Color:
White, Pink, Purple, Green, Red, Maroon
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Winter to Early Spring
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Mounded, Upright
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies (in early spring)
Tolerates:
Deer, Drought, Partial to Full Shade, Humidity
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Hellebores In The Garden
Hellebores are beloved for their long-lasting early blooms, often appearing in late winter to early spring, when most other plants are dormant. The nodding, cup-shaped flowers come in a variety of hues, from deep purples to soft greens and whites. Their leathery palmate leaves are evergreen and provide year-round interest and contrast to finer-leaved plants. Tolerant of dry shade, hellebores are both hardy and low-maintenance, making them a reliable choice for colder climates and woodland settings.
These plants excel as ground cover under trees or in shaded borders, where their dense foliage suppresses weeds and creates a lush understory. They work beautifully when combined with early spring bulbs or ferns for a layered look. Compact enough for container planting, hellebores also add seasonal charm to patios and balconies. Their flexibility allows them to complement formal landscapes as well as naturalistic designs, bringing depth and interest to any planting scheme.
Hellebore Care
Plant hellebores in early fall or spring in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. They prefer partial to full shade and benefit from consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support growth and flowering.
Prune damaged or dead foliage in late winter before new growth emerges to maintain plant health and a tidy appearance. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Hellebores adapt well to container gardening; use a loose, well-drained potting mix and a container with adequate drainage holes.
Learn More About Hellebore
Hellebore Companion Plants
Plants that go well with Hellebore are others that prefer light shade. Here are our favorite plants to grow with Lenten Roses.
