Helleborus orientalis

Common nameLenten rose

Plant type Perennials, Ground Covers

Plant Uses Container Plant, Rockery, Border, Cottage Garden, Attract Beneficial Insects

Best uses

Great for incorporating into shady mixed borders or naturalising under trees in beds. They also make great container plants for winter, especially if they are stood on a table so the flowers can be seen easily.

Physical characteristics

A semi-evergreen, clumping perennial growing to 0.3m tall and 0.3m wide.

Flowers and foliage

Beautiful nodding, single or double flowers in white, red, shades of pink, and purple and sometimes yellow or green are produced throughout winter to mid-spring. Selected varieties can even have spotted or picotee flowers. Leaves are leathery, with serrated leaflets, and are mid to dark green.

Preferred site

Hellebores perform best in semi-shade and in fertile, well-drained soil.

Preparation for planting

Always choose healthy well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a “full” effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 50cm apart.

Maintenance tips

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. In autumn, hellebores benefit from the removal of old leaves, this shows off the flowers and fresh new growth. Prune off any old flowers after flowering to prolong flowering. This hellebore is easily grown from seed and if you have a few different colours, then the resulting seedlings may have interesting coloured flowers from them cross-pollinating. To propagate, they are easily dividable with the aid of a couple of garden forks after flowering has finished.

Pests and diseases

Susceptible to aphids, rot and black leaf spot.

Location at Auckland Botanic Gardens

Camellia Garden