Photos of Helleborus niger v. altifolius
Courtesy of Bill Hendricks, Klyn Nurseries, Perry, OH

Helleborus- False Rose
Buttercup family
Ranunculacae

Pronunciation: Hell-e-bore' rus

This late winter or early spring blooming flower is a popular Eurasian perennial herb.

The Lenten Rose, Helleborus orientalis is the most popular species and easiest to grow. It is hardy throughout zone 5 and prefers moist humus rich soils with partial to full shade.

The flowers range in color from a creamy white to green, mauve to a rich dusty rose and purple. This superb shade garden plant mixes well with spring flowering bulbs or evergreens. The dark evergreen, leathery leaves are divided into 7 to 9 segments.

Lenten Rose grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and mature plants will display numerous clusters of large, nodding, cup-shaped flowers in early spring. This plant persists for years and always remains in bounds.

The white flowers of Christmas Rose, Helleborus niger, appear earlier than the Lenten Rose and have leaves with a duller green providing a clean look in the garden. Even though it is more difficult to establish, it will thrive where conditions are to its liking. Try them in different moist shaded locations and leave them alone. This species is hardy to zone 4.

Plants can be propagated by seed or divisions. Germinating seeds can be difficult. Allowing plants to seed naturally and collecting the resulting seedlings from around the mother plant can best accomplish seed propagation. Plants can be divided in the spring taking care not to damage the brittle roots and making sure that part of the crown is left with each piece