Discover hellebores: Lesser-known perennial grows anywhere

Few perennials rival the seasonal wonder of hellebores.

Hellebores are staples of the garden that are relatively unknown outside of plant enthusiast circles. They don't flower quickly from seed and often finish flowering before most folks visit garden centers, so hellebores are rarely found at the large mass merchants.

Especially valued for their winter and early spring flowering period, hellebores provide color in the landscape at a time when there virtually is none. They are easy to grow, deer and pest resistant, tolerant of a wide variety of soils and situations, and long-lived.

No matter where you live throughout the United States, you can grow these flowers. Given the right spot, these spunky little evergreen plants are remarkably enduring and will brighten even the darkest winter corner of your traditional garden.

The genus Helleborus comprises about 20 species of flowering herbaceous perennials. Proper classification of the species is difficult because of hybridization, natural variations and cross pollination.

One of the most popular and easiest to grow hellebore is commonly called the Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus) because it blooms around Lent. Although the flowers of the Lenten rose may resemble wild roses, hellebores do not belong to the rose (Rosaceae) family.

Blooms in a bright range of colors, shapes and forms start in late winter or early spring. Even when flattened by winter frost and snow, they revive with the first warming rays of sun.

Flowers typically last from March to the end of May in Stroudsburg gardens. Most Lenten roses grow in dense clumps that average one to two feet in height and width when established.

Hellebores are usually sold as shade plants. They will tolerate shady conditions, but by no means are they shade-loving plants. Plants in deep shade will live, but generally exhibit sparser growth and produce fewer blooms.

These plants are actually quite sun tolerant and will flower better in a fairly sunny location than they will in one that is full shade. However, they would probably struggle to survive in full afternoon summer sun.

Once established, hellebores are extremely hardy and resist highly variable climatic changes, including drought. In general, the more moisture the soil retains; the more sun and open exposure hellebores will tolerate.

In heavy clay soils, which tend to be moisture retentive, most will take some sunshine. In sandier, well-drained soil the plants appreciate more shade.

Few perennials give you the range of colors and duration of bloom as the hellebore. Colors range from deep purples and blues, through reds and pinks to yellow, white and green. Individual flowers can remain on the plant for a month or more.

The typical Lenten rose flower is a bell-like form (drooping head), where colors are only seen on the back of flowers. In the past few years, breeders have developed cupped flowers, flat, open flowers, double flowers and anemone forms.

If you are very particular about getting a specific look and color for your garden, your best bet would be to purchase a plant in bloom from a nursery you trust. The quality in these hybrids varies considerably.

Hellebores hold their foliage pretty well throughout the year, but by late winter this foliage is tattered and weather beaten. Flower buds are carried on separate leafless stalks and appear before the new foliage.

It is a good idea to cut back old foliage when the buds are visible. Although the old foliage will naturally die off during the late spring, it improves the plant's appearance and lowers the risk of any pathogens taking hold if the gardener removes the old leaves. Some gardeners wait until the first flowers are just ready to open before removing old foliage.

Reseeding and prolific spreading can be expected as the hellebores establish themselves in the garden. However, seeds will sow into crowns of other plants, and uncontrolled crosses will result. The new plants most likely will not be identical to the parent plant in type or color.

The plants will benefit from improving the soil. Applications of well rotted manure, leaf compost and lime encourage strong growth and flowering. However, they will continue to thrive if you forget to enrich their growing conditions for a few years.

One should mulch the hellebores to preserve moisture. Mulch lightly only up to the crown of the plant with a loose-textured mulch such as shredded leaves, compost or straw. Avoid piling it over the plants, as that can lead to crown rot.

Insects and diseases rarely bother with hellebores. However, slugs and aphids might be a problem when the plants bloom. Hellebores have their own species of aphids, and the bugs tend to appear at the end of the season when flowers are past their prime. Once flowers have been removed, aphids will generally disappear. Some nurseries recommend adding a teaspoon of epsom salts to the base of each plant as a precaution against aphids.

Caution: Hellebores are poisonous plants. Some people have even developed a mild skin irritation due to the sap, so be sure to wear gardening gloves while working with this plant if you are highly allergic. This quality makes hellebores great additions to deer-resistant gardens because wildlife will usually avoid the plant.

For ease of maintenance, year-round seasonal interest, and colorful spring display, hellebores will be a welcome addition to your landscape.

Penn State Master Gardeners provide garden assistance to the public on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. If you have a gardening question at another time you can e-mail Monroemg@psu.edu or call 570-421-6430 and leave a voice-mail message. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, along with a detailed message.