Hello, Hellebore! 5 Reasons why Hellebore (Lenten Rose) is a Favorite

I first saw hellebore growing in my mother-in-law’s garden a number of years ago. It was in winter, which made the gorgeous flowers stand out even more. The pale-green petals dotted with vibrant purple specks stopped me in my tracks! My mother-in-law kindly piled me up with seedlings, and soon I had a corner of beautiful hellebore in my own yard.

This plant, commonly called a Lenten Rose, continues to be a favorite of mine. The deep-green leaves are sturdy and can handle the frost with no problem. And then, sweet drop-like buds form and open up, revealing their stunning colors within. It’s no wonder they’re so loved, but here are five reasons they continue to make me smile:

1. They bloom in winter. Before much else is even awake, these plants are up and showing off!
2. They are shade-loving plants, which means you can tuck them in a corner under a thick tree, and they’ll do just fine. I don’t even pay attention to mine, and each winter I’m surprised with the cool blooms. (FYI, a thinning out and seasonal fertilizing really helps them look their best.)
3. They reseed beautifully. Baby hellebore pop up every year and can easily be transplanted to a new location or gifted to a friend.
4. I am obsessed with green-hued flowers, and this particular variety (Oriental Hybrid) produces a shade that nearly glows in the dark. The purple is also pretty fantastic.
5. They cut quite nicely and make a gorgeous bouquet that’ll last a week or longer inside.

You can find hellebore blooming gloriously at our local nurseries for just a bit longer. Snag a few and plan on enjoying them for many years to come!