Lenten Rose

Helleborus x hybridus Harvington Shades of Night

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: neutral to alkaline soil, including heavy soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A stunning variety with large, saucer-shaped flowers from dark purple to almost blue-black from late winter to early spring. The handsome evergreen foliage is leathery, deeply cut and dark green. This lenten rose is grown from seed, so colour variations may occur. It is best planted in groups at the front of a partially shady mixed border, or near the house, among narcissi or snowdrops, that will set off the dark tones of the flowers. In former times, hellebores were planted close to cottage doors to prevent evil spirits from crossing the threshold.

• Garden care: A top tip from the Crocus crew is to cut back the old leaves down to the ground in January or February. This will show off the emerging flowers to best effect and it also helps to get rid of foliar diseases such as hellebore leaf spot. Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3 in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.