Hellebores

Helleborus

By Ellyn Pelikan, Sonoma County Master Gardener

Sometimes referred to as the Christmas or Lenten rose, hellebores are shining stars of the winter garden. Perennial members of the family Ranunculaceae, these tough, hardy, long-lived plants add much color to the drab winterscape.

Hellebores are mostly herbaceous, with glossy leather-like deep green leaves that are divided or palmate in shape. The foliage is attractive year round and old leaves may be snipped from plant as necessary. Flowers are usually cup or bell shaped, facing outward or drooping, except those of hybrid, H. niger, which are saucer shaped. All flowers are delicate in appearance and dance in the harsh elements of winter with rings of petal-like sepals ranging in color from pale grass green to deep purple or plum to reds, pink and white, depending on the variety. The flowers make exquisite small winter bouquets. After cutting, slit the stem and dip into boiling water for a few seconds to seal. Place at once into cold water.

Hellebores have a long history of both homeopathic and traditional medical uses, not to mention their use in witchcraft! All of those uses have been discredited. All parts of the plant are toxic, therefore are bullet proof against deer and gophers, moles and voles.  They are extremely frost hardy and very drought tolerant once established. They are summer dormant and they require little attention. Many hellebores are self sowing or you may propagate by division in summer.

Hellebores love deep, fertile, well-drained, alkaline soil, dappled shade and occasional water once established. Try them massed in an herbaceous boarder, between deciduous shrubs and under trees. They will reward you for many years to come.

 

A few to try!

H.argutifolius (Corsican hellebore) Robust plant, erect or sprawling, 2-3’ tall with blue green sharply divided leaves and pale green cup shaped flowers.  Best varieties are ‘Janet Starnes’ or ‘Pacific Frost’

H.niger (Christmas Rose) This is a traditional cottage garden plant. Elegant 1’ tall and  wide plant, blooms Christmas to spring. Glorious dark green leaves divided into seven to nine lobes. White clusters of delicate flowers turn pinkish with age. New double pink hybrids are now available.  Needs more shade than other hellebores. Excellent cut flower.

H.orientalis (Lenten rose) Basal leaves with 5-11 sharply toothed leaves, with no obvious stems. Can be 2-3’ tall and wide. Blooms late winter to spring. Flowers are 2-4’ wide and range in color from pinks, greens, creams, purples, many are spotted with deep purple depending on hybrid. Easy to transplant and self sows readily.