PerennialsHelleborus orientalis
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 30–50 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–9
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- purple, pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial to full shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Mulch in autumn with leaf mould to keep the soil moist. Avoid moving — the plant establishes slowly but improves with each passing year. Water only during prolonged dry spells.
Pruning tips
Remove old foliage in early spring before flower buds open to display the blooms better. Cut spent flower stems after seed set. Leave self-sown seedlings if spread is desired.
Good companions
Bulbs & tubersGalanthus nivalis
Snowdrop
The Snowdrop is one of the very first spring bloomers, often appearing while snow still lies on the ground. The graceful, bell-shaped white flowers hang from slender stems and herald the end of winter. The bulbs multiply rapidly and eventually form beautiful white carpets.
PerennialsBrunnera macrophylla
Siberian Bugloss
Siberian Bugloss is an elegant shade plant with clouds of small sky-blue flowers above large, heart-shaped foliage. Blooming occurs in April and May, reminiscent of common forget-me-nots. The silver-toned leaves of popular cultivars remain decorative throughout the season.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.