Lenten Rose

Perennial Hellebores, in the Ranunculaceae – Buttercup family, are the stars of the late winter/early spring garden. In the south, they remain evergreen and prefer shade. Eastern European in origin, they are loved for their floral variety of spots and subtle coloring. A rugged and easy-to-grow plant, hellebore is lovely grouped under trees and shrubs or in a woodland garden.

Best grown in organically rich, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Propagate by division of the clumps (best in spring) and from seedlings which grow up around the plants. Very hardy and drought tolerant once established.

• Occasional Leaf spot and crown rot.

• Toxic to humans if ingested.