Helleborus orientalis 'WHITE DARK CENTRE' hellebore, Lenten rose
size/type
low perennial,low perennial
usual height
0,3-0,4m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
February-April
location
semi-shade / partial sun
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Hellebore (Lenten rose) is not a new plant to Czech and Slovak gardens. I remember those flowering stems that surprisingly pushed through the snow in late winter and I kept asking grandma how come that a plant can flower while there is still snow on the ground. These evergreen perennials are still very popular, mainly thanks to newly hybridized varieties with fantastic flowers.
Description of the plant:
White Dark Centre is such a technical name that I suspect this hellebore is simply a selection awaiting its commercial name. And it should receive a beautiful one corresponding to its unique appearance. This is a semi-double hellebore with two sets of flower petals. There are 5 outer large petals just like in every hellebore. But there are also 13 inner petals, finely cut and narrowly spoon-shaped which give the flower a touch of specialty. Their colours is creamy white with a somewhat blurred maroon eye around the centre. Flowers come out according to weather, mostly from February until late April atop 30-35 cm tall, upright stems. Evergreen leaves are leathery, palmate, and deep green and form a compact clump. Hellebore likes heavy, evenly moist, neutral to alkaline, rich in humus soil in dappled shade or filtered sun. This hybrid will prefer at least half a day with direct sunlight. Fertilizing will increase flowering and help the leaves remain strong and nice throughout the winter. Grow it somewhere near your house entrance or close to the window you look out of frequently so that you can enjoy the plant when it starts flowering since at that time the weather outside is not yet ideal for walking around the garden. The flowers can cheer up a number of grey and dull days of late winter therefore thumbs up for hellebore! Harmful if eaten. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 22-03-2022
