Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis
Also known as
Oriental Hellebore, Hellebore, Lenten Hellebore, Winter Rose, Rose-Coloured Christmas Rose
Helleborus orientalis. Lenteroos 04 by Dominicus Johannes Bergsma (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
20cm | Min | 20cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Lenten Rose
Lenten Rose Overview
Helleborus orientalis is a rhizomatous, clump-forming perennial, ideal for planting in scrub, woodland or grassy sites in the garden. It belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Commonly known as Hellebore, this species has beautiful nodding blooms which are often used as cut flowers. They are saucer-shaped and coloured white, pink, green or purple. Flowering typically occurs from February to March (UK) and this plant is popular with pollinating insects such as bees. It is cultivated commercially for the cut flower industry and grows best in well-draining soil and partially shaded conditions. Many cultivars have been developed for garden use, in a wide range of colours.
Common problems with Lenten Rose
Susceptible to snails, aphids, leaf spot and black rot. Hellebores can also suffer black death, this involves black streaking and mottling between leaf veins or black marks in a ringspot pattern down the leaf stalks.
How to harvest Lenten Rose
Flowers can be picked for the vase: pick at fully ripe stage to extend the vase life, that is when the stamens have dropped off and the seed pods have started to form. They may be less attractive, but they will last longer.
How to propagate Lenten Rose
Seed
Seeds can be sown as soon as they are harvested.
Division
Divide plants after flowering in spring.
Rhizomes
Divide plants after flowering in spring, splitting the rhizomes into pieces to regrow.
Special features of Lenten Rose
Pot plant
Can be grown in containers.
Winter colour
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
Flowers may be white, cream, pink, purple, green, frequently spotted and patterned on petal surfaces.
Other uses of Lenten Rose
Perfect for underplanting of roses and shrubs in flower beds/borders in sheltered areas.
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