Helleborus orientalis Lam. subsp. orientalis
Lenten rose [4]
A clump-forming perennial to about 45cm with tough, leathery leaves deeply divided into seven or nine leaflets. From mid-winter to mid-spring produces large, nodding, cup-shaped, white flowers, often with cream or green shading and a large boss of pale yellow stamens
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | White | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Helleborus can be rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a clump of pedate basal leaves, or evergreen with erect, leafy stems. Large, bowl-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters in late winter or spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Will tolerate a wide range of conditions, but does best in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich but well-drained soil which is preferably heavy, and neutral or alkaline, in a position with shelter from strong, cold winds and in dappled shade; for more advice, see hellebore cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division of large clumps in early spring, watering well until they are established
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
spring to show off flowers and help prevent hellebore leaf spot; deadhead by removing old, faded flower stems
Pests
May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death
Get involved
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