Hellebores, The Cure for the Winter Blues
Just when you think the cold, rain, or gloom of winter will never end, up pop hellebores. This hardy perennial, also called the Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, often times blooms around the Christmas holidays (see the Legend of the Christmas Rose below). This perennial evergreen, features blooms with five petal, cup-shaped flowers. Available in a variety of colors from white to pastel yellow to pink and purple, this intriguing perennial is without a doubt the star of the winter landscape. And, throughout the summer the deep green foliage creates visual depth and interest in the landscape, too. Hellebores can be used in containers, in flower beds or simply tucked under a tree. Or, bring them indoors and display in a vase or simply float flower heads in a bowl of water for a stunning display. Did we mention hellebore are deer resistant?
Gold Collection® Jacob Christmas Rose – characterized by its smooth, dark green foliage with striking, crisp 2 to 3-inch white flowers. This early bloomer flowers from mid-November to January, just in time for the holidays! The flowers mature to a pink and rose color in cool temperatures. In warmer temperatures, they mature to light green.
Gold Collection® Pink Frost Lenten Rose – burgundy stems support leathery leaves with a silver frosting. The flowers are a combination of white, pink, and deep rose tones and are upward facing – unusual for a hellebore. ‘Pink Frost’ is evergreen, long blooming, and deer resistant too! Makes a superb groundcover and choice perennial for shady borders.
Cascade™ Blush Lenten Rose – features stunning large blooms with deep purple-pink petals that appear from late winter through early spring, Blooms appear atop mounds of deeply lobed, leathery evergreen foliage. Cascade Blush is perfect for naturalizing in shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Winter Jewels® Black Diamond Lenten Rose – dramatic purple to almost black single blossoms atop of clumps of dark green foliage with deep black tones from late winter to spring. Perfect for naturalizing in woodland areas, with excellent resistance to grazing deer and rabbits. Adds drama to shaded beds and borders.
The Legend of the Christmas Rose
According to legend, a young shepherdess named Madelon was tending her sheep one cold and wintry night. As she watched over them, a group of wise men and other shepherds passed by, bearing gifts for the newly born Jesus. Madelon wept, because she had no gifts to bring the Newborn King, not even a simple flower. An angel, upon hearing her weeping, appeared and brushed away the snow to reveal a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink – the Christmas Rose.
Photos provided by Monrovia
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