Helleborus x hybridus 'Sunshine Strain'

Helleborus 'Sunshine Strain' Lenten Rose

Common Name: Lenten Rose

2005 Perennial Plant of the Year--Helleborus x hybridus

H. 'Sunshine Strain' comes from Barry Glick of Sunshine Farms. Hand pollinated to insure the most vigorous and colorful strain, the Sunshine selection represents a complex hybrid of several species of helleborus plants by breeders from all over the world. It is a notable improvement over H. orientalis, and is an excellent seed strain.

Hellebores are the harbingers of spring, blooming for six weeks or more beginning in late winter. They are often flowering during the Christian season of Lent, from which they get their common name, Lenten Rose. This is the perfect plant for naturalizing in moist, woodland areas where its extensive root system will spread as far as it is allowed.

Height:

12.0-18.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Multicolored

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Spring Mid Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Hellebores are enjoyable to grow because they are low-maintenance and disease/pest-free. Simply trim back last year's foliage in the spring. They can adapt to almost any growing conditions. Though they prefer rich, moist, organic soil, they will also grow in sandy or clay soil. They can even tolerate short periods of drought. The soil pH can range anywhere from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Hellebores are shade plants that need to be protected from the hot afternoon sun. They will grow in full shade under large deciduous trees as long as they receive full sun from winter to spring before the trees get their leaves.

To increase the number of hellebores in your garden, mulch them heavily in the fall. The new seedlings will grow in this mulch come spring and can then be transplanted elsewhere in the garden. WARNING: Hellebores are poisonous. Do not consume any part of the plant!

Fun Facts

In popular legend, Lenten Rose were blooming outside the stable in Bethlehem, hence the name "Lenten" rose. However, Hellebores aren't native to that area.

Characteristics