Helleborus x hybridus

Common name: Lenten rose

Description: A clump-forming evergreen perennial prized for its nodding, cup-shaped flowers that appear from midwinter through to early spring, when little else is in bloom. Blooms range from creamy white through soft pink and plum to near-black, often beautifully speckled within. The deeply divided, leathery dark green leaves provide handsome ground-level interest for the rest of the year.

Other benefits: low maintenance, long flowering season, excellent for shady borders and woodland gardens, good as a cut flower for floating displays

Wildlife attraction: bees

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.45m x 0.45m

Position: partial to full shade, sheltered from strong winds

Soil pH: neutral to alkaline; tolerant of chalky soils

Moisture: moist but well-drained; dislikes waterlogging

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to below -15°C