Botanical Name: Helleborus orientalis
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Common Name: Lenten Rose  
Plant photo of: Helleborus orientalis
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Water Saving Tip:

Check the soil's moisture level before watering.

You can reduce your water use 20-50% by regularly checking the soil before watering.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Winter, Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Linda Engstrom
  • Description

  • Notes

Lenten rose is a clump-forming, late winter-blooming perennial which typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall with an equal spread. It features large, cup-shaped, rose-like, (usually) nodding flowers with center crowns of conspicuously contrasting yellow stamens. Flowers usually appear in late winter to early spring, in clusters on thick stems rising above the foliage. Flower color is extremely variable, ranging from white to pink to light rose-purple, frequently with interior spotting. Glossy green leaves are palmate, serrate, and sometimes evergreen (though usually we are cold enough that it is deciduous). Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous. Use as an understory plant, sheltered by high canopied shrubs or trees. Useful in dry shade locations. There is a lovely little planting at the Gilgal Garden, and is a wonderful reason to visit the garden in early April.