Helleborus foetidus
at Digging Dog

Helleborus

Christmas Rose/Lenten Rose

Stories about this genus are countless. In medieval times, it was considered a weapon against witches, madness and evil spirits. Hellebores deserve a place in every garden, not only because of their supposed power, but because they bloom for a long time, early in winter, when the weather is cool and most other flowers are still dormant.

They like moist, loamy soil with lime and leaf mold. We like them as ground covers for deciduous shrubs, conifers, or broad-leafed evergreens, and when possible plant them in an elevated spot to admire their nodding flowers.

Helleborus foetidus   

One of Britain’s two native Hellebores, this vigorous perennial is at home in sun or shade. The airy clusters of nearly cylindrical, pendulous blossoms are pale green and edged in a vintage maroon. Counter-posed by very dark, blackish green foliage that is deeply divided into slender, widely spaced, toothed leaflets, the maturing flower petals flare, forming a perfectly delicate bell.

As the fingerlike leaflets curve downward, they interlace with neighboring leaves, and the overall effect is texturally fascinating and handsome all the way to the ground. Contrast the refined aspect of Helleborus foetidus with the golden foliage of Carex ‘Knightshayes’

Blooms January–early June.

Size: 18"–2-1/2' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 6.

Helleborus foetidus (P-0266)
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