Hellebores is the common name for a group of 22 species of woody flowering shrubs that make up the Helleborus genus within the Helleboreae tribe and the Ranunculaceae family.
The genus is native to Europe and Asia with a significant concentration within the Balkans.
The varieties cultivated for ornamental uses typically revolve around the species Helleborus orientalis and its hybrid crosses with other Helleborus species and subspecies.
These hybrids have been used to create an extended color palette of flowers which includes variations of grays, purples, reds, pinks, whites, and greens.
Semi-double and double-flowering varieties have also been created through hybridization, and can occur naturally by mutation. Both types produce an extra row of petals with the single-double cultivars producing one or two extra rows, and double-flowering producing more than two. These extra rows are generally the same color as the primary set and are retained after pollination.
Other cultivars consist of anemone-centered flowers in which the blooms consist of five normal outer petals and an inside ring of curved extra petals. These inner nectary may be a different color and will usually fall off after pollination.
Are you ready to add hellebore to your landscape? If so, start with our growing guide to find out how to plant and care for this beautiful shrub and then move onto our selection guide to help you find the perfect specimen(s) for your yard.
Growing hellebore flowers is not difficult and you can get going by purchasing plants from gardening centers, online nurseries, or by division from your friends. Propagation can be achieved through several different mechanisms including division as well as growing from seed.
Be sure to check out our many growing and care guides down below to assist you in your endeavors. Happy gardening!
Hellebore is one of the earliest plants to bloom, often popping up right through the snow. If you love it, why not learn how to propagate your own? By dividing your plants and replanting the divisions, you can have more wherever you like, and save money in the process. Read more now to learn how easy it is.
Gardeners love the winter color Lenten roses provide, but there are several common problems that can cause your hellebores not to bloom. Disease, watering or light exposure issues, planting depth, and more can all result in zero blossoms. Learn more about what causes hellebores to fail to flower and how to fix them.
The hellebore is a classic and classy addition to all but the sunniest gardens. But it’s at its best when it has the right planting companions nearby to help it to show off and shine. Learn all about the hellebore’s best annual, perennial, and tree and shrub planting companions in this guide. Read more now.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring garden with their delightful cup-shaped flowers. While they are typically trouble-free, these robust plants can occasionally suffer from infestations. Learn how to identify and control the most common hellebore pests in this guide. Read more now.
Hellebores provide color in the late winter to early spring landscape and are typically trouble-free. However, there are some diseases that may infect your plants, caused by fungi, water molds, and a particularly virulent virus. Learn how to identify and treat common hellebore diseases in this guide. Read more now.
If you’re looking for unique perennial flowers, hybrid hellebores are for you. Also known as Lenten roses, they’re perfect for moist, shady locations in the garden, and reward with cheerful blossoms in late winter and early spring. Learn how to cultivate these evergreen early bloomers in this guide. Read more now.
If you’re growing hellebores and they are showing signs of disease, you’ll need to rule out hellebore black death. This incurable viral infection is characterized by black streaks on the leaves, stems, and flower bracts. Learn more about this devastating disease and how to identify it in this guide. Read more now.
Despite their use as a medicine in previous eras, all parts of hellebores are toxic if eaten by children or animals. Key symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and convulsions in serious cases. Read on to learn what to do if your dogs, cats, or horses ingest hellebore and to learn more about the poisons involved.
Perennial hellebores add color to the late-winter garden, when many plants are still dormant. There are numerous varieties and each has unique characteristics. Some are more common in the home garden, and others are quite rare. Read on to increase your knowledge of the Helleborus genus, right here on Gardener’s Path.
Are you longing for color in the late winter garden, when most plants are still dormant? Hardy flowering hellebores fit the bill. Easy to sow, they reward with an abundance of sweetly nodding blossoms in an array of colors. Chase the winter blues away with these 7 tips for planting hellebore seeds. Read more now.
Nothing shows that spring is on the way like the nodding heads of hellebore flowers in the snow. If you eagerly anticipate these hardy late-winter perennials, prepare to fall in love. Read on to discover 11 of the best double hellebore varieties with robust blossoms in irresistible colors. See our favorites now.
The hellebore is an early-blooming perennial that is best known for having nodding flowers that grow through the snow. It is propagated by three methods. Discover what all three methods mean to the home gardener, and which two can be done at home with our guide to understanding hellebore propagation. Read more now.
Collecting and sowing fresh hellebore seeds is a cost-effective way to propagate them in home gardens. If you are enjoying the blossoms of this lovely late-winter flower, why not increase its presence in your landscape by gathering seeds to plant where you like? Learn how to collect and sow hellebore seeds now.