h.Orientalis flowers can last for two months or longer. The plants have thick and sturdy serrated leaves, divided
into seven to nine segments resembling coarse leathery umbrellas.
Their leaves add texture to the shade garden, and create a perfect backdrop for bulbs and other shade perennials.
The Lenten Rose is a great hellebore for beginners. It is a hardy slow growing early blooming shade perennial.
NOTES ON CONTAINER GROWING
For those of you who are container gardeners, Lenten Roses make fine container plants. The plants in the photo below were grown outdoors from seedlings. The pictures were taken in year 5. Remember, first be patient, Lenten Roses are very slow growing perennials. They take 4 year to mature before they will flower for the first time. Also remember that when you put a plant in an artificial setting (a container) you must give it artificial care. Watching the weather is more important, ie. moisture and freezing. For long term best results I recommend LARGE 3 gal pots.
A NOTE TO MY NORTHERN CUSTOMERS: If you are purchasing plants in the early early spring (Feb/Mar), before the snow melts and it's still freezing outside you might want to put them into containers. After receiving their plants, some of my Northern customers, temporarily house their new plants in containers, waiting for the snow to melt and the ground to thaw. My advise here is to use soil from the garden bed you will be planting to for your container soil (Bagged garden center potting soil is often too fluffy and will not 'set' the roots to the moisture in the soil).
If you order while our garden is in bloom we can pick colors at your request, however 'pure white' and 'deep burgundy' orders are limited and carry a 50% premium. Otherwise, we offer a random cottage variety color selection.
SHIPPING AND PLANTING INFORMATION:
Your Lenten Roses are shipped to you via USPS Priority Mail. In most cases, you will receive them within 2-3 days. Our shipping day is Monday.
After you receive them, gently rinse the foliage and roots and plant them in a shady or filtered-sun areas of your garden. Keep moist, but not soggy for a week or so., then water as needed. Remember to allow 18 to 24 inches between each plant.
Happy Gardening!
