Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)


Hellebore Plant Features

Just when you think winter is never going to end, the spirit-lifting flowers of hellebore burst into bloom. This fantastic, easy-care perennial develops lovely buttercup-shaped flowers in shades of white, cream, green, pink, red and bi-color. Hellebore, occasionally called Lenten or Christmas rose because of its bloom season, grows about 18 inches tall and has gorgeous dark green, leathery leaves that retain their color all year long, although they may turn brown in severely cold winters. Because it's an early bloomer, hellebore is a great partner for spring-flowering bulbs such as narcissus and tulips. Hellebore is also deer and rabbit resistant. Hardy from zones 3-8.

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Hellebore Growing Instructions

Grow hellebore in a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, hellebore tolerates drought well but still appreciates a mulch of shredded leaves or compost to maintain soil moisture and fertility. This long-lived plant typically doesn't need to be divided. Just plant and enjoy!

Hellebore is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Moist

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Green

    Pink

    Red

    White

  • Special Features

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Groundcover


Complement your Hellebore

Lamium
The silvery foliage of Lamium is a pretty contrast to the dark green leaves of Hellebore.

Hosta
Give shady spots in your garden a double dose of color by partnering Hosta and Hellebore together.

Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese Painted fern and Hellebore both have pretty, evergreen foliage that will add color and interest to fall and winter beds.


Our favorite varieties

Cinnamon Snow Hellebore

Cinnamon Snow Hellebore

Helleborus ballardiae 'HGC Cinnamon Snow'

One of the first perennials to bloom, Cinnamon Snow hellebore shows off ivory-yellow flowers that mature to a rich cinnamon-pink shade. It grows 15 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 5-9

Jacob Hellebore

Jacob Hellebore

Helleborus niger 'HGC Jacob'

This reliable, easy-care perennial shows off pure white flowers that fade to chartreuse-green as they mature. It grows 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide. Zones 5-9

Joker Hellebore

Joker Hellebore

Helleborus ericsmithii 'HGC Joker'

Charming and beautiful, Joker shows off large numbers of creamy-white flowers that fade to ivory pink. It grows 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Zones 5-8

Merlin Hellebore

Merlin Hellebore

Helleborus ballardiae 'HGC Merlin'

Merlin is a colorful variety that shows off soft pink flowers that mature to a deep purple-pink color. It grows 16 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 5-8

Pink Frost Hellebore

Pink Frost Hellebore

Helleborus ballardiae 'Pink Frost'

Pink Frost hellebore is an elegant variety that blooms profusely in late spring and early winter. The ivory-pink flowers mature to a darker purple-pink color. It grows 15 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 5-8

Snow Fever Hellebore

Snow Fever Hellebore

Helleborus argutifolius 'HGC Snow Fever'

Spring Fever offers foliage as beautiful as its white flowers! The dark green leaves are heavily speckled in white and look good all summer long. It grows 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 7-9