Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
Hellebore (Lenten rose) (Helleborus x hybridus) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Hellebore (Lenten rose) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hellebore (Lenten rose) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Hellebore (Lenten rose) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, roots
Contains cardiac glycosides and irritant saponins; poisonous if eaten and sap irritates skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hellebore (Lenten rose)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Hellebore (Lenten rose)
- How far apart should I plant Hellebore (Lenten rose)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Hellebore (Lenten rose) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hellebore (Lenten rose) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hellebore (Lenten rose)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Hellebore (Lenten rose) flower?
- From about March for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hellebore (Lenten rose) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides and irritant saponins; poisonous if eaten and sap irritates skin.
- What grows well with Hellebore (Lenten rose)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hellebore (Lenten rose). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Flowers in late winter; useful early nectar source.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger
- Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus