Winter is the best time for cold weather blooms! And if there’s ever been a winter flower it is the genus of Helleborus, commonly known as Hellebore. Don’t let them name foul you, it’s anything but bore-ing! I freaking LOVE these plants! They are absolutely gorgeous and they are fierce! They like cold and they can manage deep, deep shade. I’ve found them growing under mounds of matted invasive vines looking happy as can be.
Helleborus are not native to the United States – but they are considered adaptive and not invasive. So, if you are wanting to stay strictly local species, you’ll have to skip this but for the new perennialist or gardener that is envisioning 4 seasons of AHHHH-mazing you shouldn’t overlook these incredible plants.
Best situated in groups of 10 to 20, they can create a pop with as few as 3 to 5. I like to put them around the corner in those really shady spots most people forget about or under a perennial like a Baptisia australis. The Baptisia will hide them during the warmer months only to go dormant, die back and reveal the Helleborus rainbow of hues from December to April.
Helleborus are not cheap and are usually the most expensive perennial at a nursery, but I say don’t hold back. Bigger patches are better! Plant, plant, plant!!! You will be happy you did come some cold February morning you walk pass your garden beds to see royal red or penny pink shining from the flowers of your purchase!
Helleborus are not cheap and are usually the most expensive perennial at a nursery, but I say don’t hold back. Bigger patches are better! Plant, plant, plant!!! You will be happy you did come some cold February morning you walk pass your garden beds to see royal red or penny pink shining from the flowers of your purchase!
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