Plant Guide

Helleborus x hybridus

• Common Name

  Christmas/Lenten Rose
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Perennial
• Size

  12" - 20" x 24"
• Flower Color

  White, Mauve, Magenta, Pink, Light Green
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
• Leaves

  Thick, Shiny, Green to Reddish-Green
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Seldom Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Bees
• Growth Rate

  Fast
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Low Maintenance
  • Showy Flowers
• Water Use

  • Low
• Soil pH

  7.6-8.5 (alkaline)
• Exposure

  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Loam
• Drainage

  Well Drained
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  Hellebores are highly adaptable, clump-forming perennials that bloom in late winter through early spring.  Hellebores have a long history in cultivation and have been used for various medical purposes. Helleborus x hybridus was named the "2005 Perennial Plant of the Year" by the Perennial Plant Association. Once established they are quite drought tolerant , especially if given dappled afternoon shade in hot inland areas.

  Although helebores will grow in a great variety of soil conditions, they perform best in a well- drained alkaline soil containing plenty of organic matter. Provide deep beds for their extensive root systems and lots of mulch for water conservation. While they survive in shade, the best location to plant hellebores is in dappled shade or morning sun/ afternoon shade. Blooms will be reduced in a deep shade situations.

  Hellebores are resistant to most pests and diseases as long as they are in well-drained, well -ventilated locations. Black Spot and Black Death can occur when ventilation or drainage is not optimum.

   

   

• Master Gardener Comments

  N / A
• Varietals

  N / A