|
My
Favorite Plant: The Lenten Rose Four years ago the Lenten rose was featured in a gardening magazine and it was love at first sight. Finding it locally wasn't easy, but after several calls I found a nursery that had ordered some for a client. Turns out we both read the same article. Since then the plants have become popular and easier to find. The Lenten rose (H. orientalis) is just one of 15 species in the hellebore genus. All are long-lived plants that add color and interest to the garden for several months in winter and early spring. The Lenten rose appeals to me because every aspect of this plant is distinctive and elegant. PLANT HABIT: Hellebores are perennials that form tight clumps
with many growing points. They start each season by producing large,
leathery, dark green, slightly glossy leaves. Leaves are divided
into 7 to 9 segments with notched margins and are borne at the end
of stalks that grow 12 to 16 inches high. Clumps enlarge over time
reaching 36-inches in width. Flowers start emerging in January and
bloom continues through mid-spring. Thick, usually branched stems
bear pendent or almost outward facing saucer shaped flowers that
are 2-3 inches across. Darker shades are accompanied by a light purple or bluish bloom, like on plums or black grapes. Lighter shades can be solid or dappled with fine crimson or purple spots, sometimes so dense they form patches. Interesting color blends also develop, for example primrose-yellow flowers carry a flush of rose or crimson that appears peach color from a distance. The flower's natural tendency is to nod and may need a hand lift to view the interior pattern. If this feature annoys you, choose plants with erect, outward-facing flowers or plant your Lenten roses in a raised location. FLOWER POWER: The garden value of the flowers is greatly enhanced by their long life and durability. You can count on a plant in bloom remaining attractive for six weeks or longer. Flowers of all hellebores persist beyond the bloom periods, gradually turning green. Blossoms are attractive in flower arrangements or for a spectacular effect, simply float them in a bowl of water. GROWING CONDITIONS: Lenten roses perform well in slightly alkaline soils that are well drained and rich with humus and leaf mold. They prefer full to partial shade and thrive under a deciduous shade tree. They like moist soil, not soggy, but an established clump can tolerate some dryness. To conserve moisture, mulch plants with a 2-inch layer of shredded leaves each fall. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year and avoid disturbing the clumps once planted. They don't tolerate transplanting well, but they will self-sow and young seedling can be transplanted in early spring. FEW PEST PROBLEMS: Lenten roses are subject to few ills, however, slugs and snails find them delicious. Some references list aphids as pests, but I have never seen an aphid on mine. (Excuse me while I knock on wood). GARDEN PLACEMENT: Hellebores are most effective when grown in groups in a border or naturalized in a woodland garden. They make a superb groundcover in the shade and flower colors, whether dark or pale, all harmonize nicely. Smaller species are ideal for rock gardens. If garden space is limited, plant where flowers can be viewed up close. PLANTING COMPANIONS: Snowdrops (galanthus bulbs) look splendid with hellebores of any color, especially blacks and purples, and should be planted in as large a quantity as your pocketbook will permit. Blue-flowered pulmonarias nicely complement the reds and pinks, while pink-flowered pulmonarias are lovely with white Lenten roses as are bright gold winter aconites. MY SUGGESTION: Plant deep red Lenten roses where the low winter sun can shine through the petals. No stained glass in any cathedral in the world is more glorious. October 17, 2002 |