Lenten Rose

.

Lenten Rose Helleborus orientalis ‘Royal Heritage’

.
In 2002, I planted two Helleborus orientalis ‘Royal Heritage’. I tried to pick a spot in the garden so I wouldn’t have to move them. I was more careful than usual selecting a place in the garden because I read that they are slow to recover when moved.

I chose a mostly shaded spot next to a garden path. The evergreen leaves show up well near the path during the brown winter months. The area is well drained and the soil is probably average. A little gardening luck and they have been happy there.

There is a difference in color between the two ‘Royal Heritage’ plants. One is a light pinkey/lilac the other is a darker purple. I’ve read that this color variation is not unusual. So if you plan to buy one it may be good idea to buy a plant in bloom.

The plants are not hard to care for. I haven’t watered or fed them since the first year.

I cut off last year’s leaves on February 23. I could see buds forming. The plants were full of buds by the beginning of March and in full bloom by the end of March. Flowers will last at least into May. This year I’ve potted some re-seeded plants for friends.

I’m delighted that I really got the right plant in the right place this time.

.
(More information from Cornell University.)

.

Helleborus - Lenten Rose

Royal Heritage. Spring has had a bit of a set back with a late winter storm last Friday. So what is a gardener to do after direct-sow seeds are ordered, the plan for this year's garden is finalized, and the cuttings are growing?



It would be nice to be outside staring at the purple flowers of the hellebore but they are covered with snow. So, I'm doing the next best thing - staring at a picture of last year's bloom.



I bought this plant in 2002. It is one of the most carefree plants in my garden. I don't cut it back in fall. The leaves are green all winter - any green is a treat amid the brown of winter. In late February/early March as flowers start to appear, I do a snip here and a snip there of the old leaves. And reveal a lovely bunch of purple flowers and new leaves.



It is planted along a path in the garden that is shaded from the afternoon sun. It is in a well-drained area that was once mostly clay. The soil, over the years, has been ammended with mulch and not much else.


If the weather forcast holds true, I'll be staring at the real thing by the end of the week.