Lenten Roses for Winter Blooms

Lenten Roses, also known as Hellebores, are semi-evergreen perennials native to temperate zones in Europe and Western China. The name Hellebore symbolizes serenity, tranquility and peace. Fortunately for us, Hellebores tolerate a wide range of soils in Central Texas and provide winter blooms in the shade with relatively little care.

 

Where to plant Lenten Roses

 

 

Plant hellebores in organic-rich soil in dappled shade. Summer sun scorches the leaves.
Plant them under a deciduous tree so winter sun encourages blooms.
Hellebores follow the adage: first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap.
Choose a spot where they will thrive and stay patient while they establish.
The rewards make the wait worthwhile.

Well-drained soil is essential, so if you have clay soil or low spots in your garden, consider keeping them in pots.

 

 

 

What type of soil do Lenten Roses like?

 

 

Hellebores grow best in alkaline soil.

Most Central Texas soils are alkaline but lack organic matter, so add compost to the bed before planting.

Apply an organic fertilizer in fall, such as MicroLife 6-2-4 or Happy Frog for Fruit and Flowering plants.

Top dress with an organic compost in the fall, taking care to avoid placing it next to the stems or on the crown of the plant to prevent rot. Never plant them too deeply, and always pull mulch back from the crowns.

 

 

 

How do I care for my Lenten Rose?

 

 

 

Remove “spent” leaves in the spring as the new growth is emerging. Although the plants will spread slowly by rhizomes, division is not necessary to maintain the health of the plant. If division is desired, lift the plants in the fall and divide carefully. Plants that are divided may not flower for two years.

 

 

 

 

Are Lenten Roses deer resistant?

 

 

Hellebores are actually quite deer resistant and somewhat drought resistant once established. They pair well with other shade-loving plants such as Holly ferns or Autumn ferns, Hosta, Chinese ground orchids and Coral Bells. I like to plant my Hellebores under Rose of Sharon trees for the “best of both worlds”.

 

 

 

How are the “new” varieties of Lenten Roses different from the “old” varieties?

 

 

 

There are many different varieties available which vary in height and bloom time from late fall to early spring. The older varieties had blooms that “nodded” below the foliage, but new introductions have blooms that rise above the foliage for more dramatic color. Their winter blooms provide food for pollinators when little else is blooming.