Hellebores are a genus of bushy, clumping, flowering perennials in the Ranunculaceae family native to Europe, Morocco, and temperate Asia. The genus contains 22 species and many hybrids that are commonly grown in gardens for their evergreen foliage and winter or early spring-blooming flowers. Hellebores, sometimes commonly called hybrid Lenten roses or hybrid winter roses, typically grow to 12-15” tall. They are noted for producing single, cup-shaped flowers (typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter) in a large variety of colors, including various shades and tints of white, pink, red, purple, and yellow. Blossoms usually appear on the tips of the plant’s branched stems in late winter extending into early spring. The leaves are evergreen and dark green, glossy, leathery, deeply-lobed, and often toothed/serrated. The genus name comes from the Greek words bora meaning “food” and helein meaning “injures/destroys” in reference to the plant’s toxic leaves, stems and roots which are poisonous to humans if ingested.
Hellebores do well in organically rich, well-drained, alkaline soils in light to moderate shade. The foliage is evergreen, but it may become scorched and tattered in extremely harsh winters. You should site the plant where it is protected from cold winter winds. Cut back flowering stems after bloom to promote new foliage growth. Established plants can become congested, but can be divided in late summer to early fall. Hybrid hellebores are often grown from seed, but plants will take two years to bloom when grown from seed. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant. These plants can be grown in mass plantings in shady locations or where the clumps will slowly spread through self-seeding.
‘Royal Heritage’This strain has large, pendulous flowers that come in a variety of colors and patterns.
‘Tropical Sunset’A member of the Honeymoon series, this hellebore has yellow flowers with burgundy veins.
‘Dark and Handsome’This hellebore has double flowers that are almost black, contrasting with its lighter-colored foliage.
‘Ivory Prince’This hybrid has upright blooming cream and pink flowers.
