Wedding Party Black Tie Affair Lenten Rose

Lenten Rose (Helleborus hybrids) are some of the most underrated perennials in the late winter garden. They brave the chill of winter and snow to bloom faithfully every year. The Wedding Party® series has some of the most dramatic color combinations available for this increasingly popular perennial. ‘Black Tie Affair’ Lenten Rose could dress up any patio or deck planter with its deep green, fleshy foliage and double flowers that have an almost black edging. 

Lenten Rose is immune to deer browsing, even in areas with high populations. The semi-evergreen foliage remains clean and primarily disease-free 12 months of the year, while the flowers appear just when it seems spring will never arrive in late winter. Hellebores look great in the garden but will grow quite nicely in a container alone or as part of a mixed seasonal planting. Early spring bulbs, hostas, bleeding hearts, and ferns all look great paired with Hellebores.

Wedding Party® ‘Black Tie Affair’ Lenten Rose Care

Hellebores will grow well in part sun to fully shaded locations as long as the soil drains well all year. Wet roots in the winter often cause root rot in Hellebores, which will eventually kill the plants. Hellebores prefer neutral to alkaline soil; acidic soils should be amended with lime to bring the pH up to at least a neutral level. Hellebore should be mulched early in the spring to ensure that the soil retains moisture for summer. Use organic compost or shredded leaves, and fertilizing will not be required. As the mulch breaks down, it will add nutrients to the soil. Hellebores also like their soil to dry out in between waterings, especially if they grow in full shade. Cold, damp soils often encourage pests and diseases. 

Semi-evergreen perennials only require pruning to remove damaged or dead foliage and spent flowers at the end of spring. The foliage should be left in the colder growing zones to protect the growing crown over the winter. This will die back naturally and can be left to compost in place in the spring. The warmer zones can cut back the older foliage in late fall to make way for flowers. Clearing the foliage in the fall helps eliminate potential pest issues that usually die off with freezing temperatures. 

Wedding Party® ‘Black Tie Affair’ Lenten Rose Spacing

The overall height and spread of ‘Black Tie Affair’ is a compact 2 feet. Plant each Hellebore 2 feet apart on the center to allow plenty of air circulation between plants. Grow a single Hellebore in a container with at least a 10-inch diameter if growing.

Wedding Party® 'Black Tie Affair' Lenten Rose Information