Hellebores - a Bit of Color on a Gray day

‘Royal Heritage’ Hellebore before a “haircut”

Lenten Roses are one of my favorite winter-blooming perennials. They are a breath of freshness during the dull, gray days of the season. This is the time of year that I enjoy pruning away the year’s tattered and worn foliage to make way for new growth. It also allows a better view of the beautiful blooms that appear from December through February. The foliage is leathery, evergreen, and perfect for a shade garden.

The photos show the cultivar Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’ before and after a “haircut”. It will bloom in late January or early February. This plant was donated to the JCMGA annual plant sale (Gardenaganza) about five years ago by MG Peggy Campbell. It has been a wonderful garden performer, and I am so happy that I purchased it.

— MG Trilba

‘Royal Heritage’ Hellebore after the “haircut”