More Hellebores

Common Hellebore Flower

Since I first started seeing little pops of purple color poking out after the cold, long winter, I was curious and excited to see the first signs of spring (very very early spring) with the Lenten Rose, otherwise known as Hellebores.

Hellebores

This is what I saw early this year– small, slightly spindly plants sprouting from long, large leaves close to the ground. I don’t think I knew about this plant at all until I moved into this house and noticed this ground cover all over. The majority of my property is in shade in the summer, and these plants thrive in the shade.

Pretty Pink Open Hellebores

I have several different varieties (I think), as there are colors ranging from dark purple to pink to white to an almost green-white.

Lenten Rose Hellebore

There are also a number of flowers with spots and speckles on the inside, and the colors can be mottled too.

White Hellebore with Marroon or Purple Interior

Pink Hellebore with Pink Spots

White Hellebore with Pink Spots

Pretty Mottled Pink and White Hellebore with green

Some look more open, some droop their heads down.

White Hellebore

Now that they are in full bloom, they stand about 8-12″ tall, as the larger leaves that remained green all winter long have started to die back.

Purple Hellebores

They are called the Lenten Rose because they bloom around the period of Lent. I’ve also heard them called the Christmas Rose for a similar reason- but mine were far from blooming in late December.

Detail Dark Pink Open Hellebores

They are a lovely plant to have in the garden, and they look lovely in a vase too! I cut a few stems for my stepson and his wife’s baby shower this weekend:

Dark Hellebores in a green glass vase

Hellebores on Mantle

Hellebores and Daffodils

So pretty!

Linking up to these parties:  Remodelaholic