How to Grow and Care for Lenten rose

Lenten rose, also known as Oriental hellebore, Lenten hellebore, Winter rose, Christmas rose

Lenten rose is generally an easy-to-care-for perennial, appreciated for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. Two crucial care points include providing partial to full shade and ensuring well-drained, fertile soil with adequate moisture. It is important to protect lenten rose from harsh winter winds and overly wet conditions to prevent root rot and foliage diseases.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Lenten rose

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial, Annual
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	6-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Lenten rose

Lenten rose 'Blushing Bridesmaid'

Lenten rose 'Blushing Bridesmaid' is a Helleborus cultivar with white flowers that have deep scarlet petal tips and veining, a color reminiscent of brightly blushing cheeks. These bright flowers differ from the simple white or pink flowers characteristic of Hellebore. This late winter/early spring flowering perennial grows to a height of 60 cm.

Lenten rose 'First Dance'

Lenten rose 'First Dance' is a cultivar of the Lenten Rose developed and named by specialist plant hybridizer Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens. The flowers' distinct coloration of yellow petals with maroon edge-tips and veins looks perfectly suited to an attractive wedding reception. This plant is popular with gardeners as a bright early spring bloomer.

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The Toxicity of Lenten rose

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More General Info About Lenten rose

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Quickly Identify Lenten rose

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Lenten rose is a low-growing, perennial plant reaching heights of 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm) with an equal spread. Its most notable features for identification include large, nodding flowers with cup-shaped, overlapping petals, and the presence of thick stems that elevate the blooms above the foliage. These flowers, which present a range of colors from white to light rose, emerge in collections of one to four. The dark green, glossy leaves are deeply divided into several leaflets, providing an evergreen backdrop in milder climates but may become deciduous in harsher winters. The center of the flower is dense with numerous stamens encircled by tubular structures.