When color is scarce in the landscape, winter-blooming hellebores bring unexpected beauty to the garden. These hardy flowering perennials begin blooming as early as late November and continue through January – sometimes even longer. With evergreen foliage and delicate flowers, hellebores signal that spring is just around the corner.
Because they bloom in the coldest months, it’s best to plant hellebores where they can be easily admired. For example, place them near walkways, front entries, patios, or just outside a favorite window. Moreover, many modern varieties feature upward-facing blooms, which makes them even easier to enjoy along garden paths.
Not only are hellebores beautiful, but they’re also incredibly tough. These low-maintenance perennials thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9 and can even survive colder climates when protected by snow cover. Over time, hellebores will naturalize in a woodland garden, forming clumps that can produce dozens of flowers per plant.
Anna’s Red Hellebore
Ice ‘n Roses Hellebore
Penny’s Pink Hellebore
There are two main types to choose from:
-
Christmas rose hellebores (Helleborus niger) bloom from late fall into mid-winter and feature pure white flowers.
-
Lenten rose hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) bloom later, from late winter into early spring, and come in shades of ivory, rose, burgundy, and pale green.
In addition to being cold-hardy, hellebores are deer resistant, shade tolerant, and relatively free from pests and diseases. Whether you’re planting a shade garden, a winter container, or a naturalized border, hellebores are an ideal choice for seasonal interest and year-round structure.
Additional Information: