Featured Plant

Hellebores, also known as ‘Lenten rose,’ get their common name because their flowers bloom around the time of the Christian Lent. Hellebores are in the buttercup family, called Ranunculaceae, and have 20 different species that originate from Europe and Asia. Their foliage is evergreen, and flowers bloom from about February until May. For best results, shear in late winter before new growth comes up. This allows for new foliage and an overall fresher look. With genetic variations, flowers come in a wide array of colors, such as pink, purple, white, black, and red. Hellebores prefer partial shade, and well draining soil. They grow in zones 4-9, are a great low maintenance plant, and are deer resistant. New trends include breeding for unusual colors, outward facing blooms, and more exotic patterns. Check out the beautiful blooms on the hellebores in the Memorial Chapel garden!

By Sidra Isenberg, Intern

Works Cited

Garden Design Magazine. “Hellebores: How to Grow & Care for Hellebore Flowers - Garden Design.” GardenDesign.com, Garden Design Magazine, 28 Jan. 2020, www.gardendesign.com/flowers/hellebores.html.

“Hellebore Facts.” Math, www.softschools.com/facts/plants/hellebore_facts/1974/.