A Love of Hellebores

What's not to love about hellebores? They're hardy, shade-loving, evergreen perennials whose blooms add color to otherwise bare winter gardens. You know that trouble spot in your garden. The one that's so shady nothing but moss will grow? Pop in a variety of Helleborus and watch it thrive!

Merlin hellebore, a hybrid of
H. niger X H. ballardiae

In mild climates they start blooming in early winter. In places where the ground freezes hard, they bloom in late winter or early spring. And in summer when their blooms fade, their lush greenery remains. When established hellebores can be surprisingly drought resistant.

There are about 20 different species of the genus Helleborus and an ever-growing number of hybrids are popping up in nurseries near you. They may be masquerading under the names 'Lenten Rose,' or 'Christmas Rose.'

The flowers of hellebores are usually shaped like bells or cups and face outward or droop downward. I've seen hellebores in a rich variety of colors and styles. From what I understand they're difficult (if not impossible) to grow from seed, though they self sow quickly in the right conditions.

I've searched high and low for a flowering plant that would add winter color to my shady front yard. These hellebore hybrids are just the beautiful blooms I was looking for!

Merlin hellebore still blooming in early March