Helleborus orientalis

Common Name:
Lenten Rose

Description:
Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten Rose, is a hardy, evergreen perennial prized for its elegant, nodding blooms that appear in late winter to early spring, often when little else is flowering. Native to parts of the Caucasus and Turkey, this species has been widely cultivated and hybridised, resulting in a vast array of colours including white, cream, pink, plum, and near-black, often with speckles or veining. In Melbourne gardens, Helleborus orientalis thrives in part shade to full shade, preferring humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Its leathery, palmate leaves remain attractive year-round, adding structure to shaded garden beds. It is particularly well-suited to woodland-style gardens or under deciduous trees. The flowers are long-lasting both on the plant and as cut blooms, making it a gardener's favourite for winter interest.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Width: 40–60 cm

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• White

• Cream

• Pink

• Purple

• Plum

• Green (in some hybrids)

• Speckled variants

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Scented Flowers (mild)

• Bee Attracting

• Herbaceous

• Perennial

• Frost Tolerant

• Shade Tolerant

• Winter Interest

Toxicity:
Toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Companion Plants:

• Heuchera

• Brunnera

• Ferns

• Epimedium

• Cyclamen