Hellebore
By: Garden Gate staff
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Winter wonders
Looking for a sure sign of spring? Hellebores bloom in pink, red, white, burgundy, yellow or green from mid- to late winter — some even come up through snow! Flowers last for a few months, but after the blooms fade, leathery looking foliage stays crisp and clean throughout the summer. In fact, in most areas, the foliage will be evergreen.
Most hellebores grow 1 to 3 ft. tall and wide. Other than giving them moist — not wet — soil, they’re easy to care for, with few disease problems. Just cut back tattered leaves in spring to make room for fresh new growth. Find out more about 4 of these early-bloomers just ahead!
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’HGC Jacob’ Helleborus niger
With 2- to 3-in. flowers appearing as early as late fall, ‘HGC Jacob’ is one of the earliest-blooming hellebores. It’s one of the shortest, too.
Blooms Pure white blooms in late fall to midwinter
Size 6 to 12 in. tall, 10 to 15 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
Source Pine Knot Farms
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‘Red Lady’ Helleborus x hybridus
The cup-shaped blooms of ‘Red Lady’ are deep red — many face slightly upward so you can easily see into them and enjoy their pretty hue.
Blooms Deep red in late winter to early spring
Size 18 to 20 in. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
Source Santa Rosa Gardens
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‘Ivory Prince’ Helleborus hybrid
‘Ivory Prince’ has dark red-pink buds that bloom creamy white and age to a mix of burgundy and light green.
Blooms Opens creamy white from late winter to early spring
Size 12 to 15 in. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
Source Plant Delights Nursery, Inc.
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‘White Lady Spotted’ Helleborus x hybridus
‘White Lady Spotted’ boasts stunning contrast — its creamy white flowers have dark red-speckled centers.
Blooms Creamy white with dark red spots from late winter to early spring
Size 12 to 18 in. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
Source Santa Rosa Gardens
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