Hellebore flowers are a precursor of spring , often flower when the residual of the garden is still in winter ’s clutch , provide a much - needed spattering of color . Their resiliency in frigid weather lay down them a favorite among gardeners looking to relish blooms in late winter or early leap . These perennials do in a range of color from whites , pink , and purple to common and even near - black shades . Their flowers can be simple or intricately double , nod gracefully or confront up .

The foliage remain lush through the seasons , offer logical garden interest . The parting are often leathery , deeply vein , or even marbled , sum up grain and direct contrast to garden bed . Some hellebore have leave that change color with the seasons , providing an extra stratum of visual interest as they shift from green to Bourgogne or back again . This leaf not only depend good but also serve as a protective covert for the issue blossom during colder breeze .

Hellebores are unco adaptable plants , thriving in shaded areas where other plants might skin . They ’re specially suited to woodland gardens , underplanting beneath trees , or along the edges of paths where they invite dappled sunlight . Their preference for well - enfeeble soil makes them relatively low - upkeep once established , though they appreciate a good mulch to keep their roots coolheaded and moist .

Lastly , hellebore are not just a feast for the eye ; they also act a good role in the garden ecosystem . These plant are cervid - repellent , which is a significant advantage in region where cervid browse is a problem . Additionally , they pull early pollinators like bee , offer a critical nutrient reference when few other bloom are available .

Types of Hellebore Flowers

genus Helleborus Republic of Niger ( Christmas Rose )

This species is one of the early to flower , often around Christmas in warmer climates , or early fountain in cold zone . It has striking , large , white flowers that sometimes pass to rap or green as they age . The farewell are dark green , leathery , and palmate , allow for a lush backcloth to the bloom .

genus Helleborus orientalis ( Lenten Rose )

have it off for its wide potpourri of colors , from everlasting ashen to deep purple , almost smutty , this species blooms around the Christian season of Lent . The peak are large , nod , and often face up downwards , with a cup or buzzer shape . The leaf is evergreen , bid year - round pursuit even when not in prime .

genus Helleborus argutifolius ( Corsican Hellebore )

aboriginal to Corsica and Sardinia , this hellebore is distinguished by its large , sorry - green , sharply toothed leaf and bunch of weak green flowers . It ’s one of the more sun - large-minded false hellebore and can farm quite magniloquent , stimulate it a bold feature in the garden .

genus Helleborus foetidus ( Stinking Hellebore )

Despite its uncomplimentary name , which fall from the aroma given off when the leaves are crush , this hellebore is prized for its elegant form . It has palmate , dark green leaves and bring on numerous green , bell shape - shaped heyday edged in violent , blooming from late wintertime to early spring .

genus Helleborus x hybridus ( Garden Hybrids )

This group embrace a immense range of hybrids , offering the most diversity in colouration , form , and pattern . flush can be single , twofold , or anemone - centered , with gloss including whiteness , pinks , yellows , and purple , often with spotting , veining , or picotee edges .

genus Helleborus lividus

From Majorca , this hellebore sports glossy , white - venose , dark fleeceable leave-taking and blossom that vary from green to rose . It ’s more tender than some coinage , suitable for warmer climates , and its bloom are among the most salient due to their dual - feel coloring .

genus Helleborus atrorubens

This mintage contributes the bass purpleness and red colors to many hybrid false hellebore . Its flower are nodding and less showy than some , but it ’s valued for its foliage , which can emerge with a dark purple chromaticity , adding demarcation to the garden .

Helleborus viridis ( Green Hellebore )

live for its burnished green flower , this hellebore is one of the smaller species , but its pure green bloom color is extremely typical . It ’s appreciated for its ability to thrive under deciduous Tree , where it encounter winter sun .

Helleborus purpurascens

This species feature beautiful , purplish flowers and unambiguously filigreed , orbitual leaves . It ’s less common in gardens but cherished for its unusual , elegant flower and hardiness .

genus Helleborus cyclophyllus

From Greece , this species is fragrant and interchangeable to H. odorus . It has pea green flowers and is noted for its share to the bouquet in hybrid hellebore , although less commonly used in breed programs .

genus Helleborus odorus

Another fragrant species , it has greenish - yellow flowers and is native to Hungary and Romania . Its scent is a delicious accession to the winter garden , though it ’s less commonly seen in hybrid form .

Helleborus torquatus

Native to the former Yugoslavia , this hellebore has nodding , wan green flowers with a jot of purpleness at the base , set against dark green , serrated leaves . It tot a subtle magical spell to woodland options or shaded garden areas .

genus Helleborus multifidus

Known for its fine shorten , almost fern - like leaves , this species has small , greenish - yellow flowers . It ’s less commonly naturalize but offers a singular grain to the garden with its elaborated foliation , which can be a spectacular contrast to broader - leaved hellebores .

Helleborus dumetorum

A metal money from Bulgaria , it has nodding , unripened flowers with crimson - purple honey gland . Its foliage is profoundly divided , adding to the flora ’s stake . genus Helleborus dumetorum is not as widely usable as some other species but is valued for its contribution to the genetic pool of garden loanblend .

genus Helleborus thibetanus

One of the rarer specie , aboriginal to China , it boasts large , nodding , pale green prime with a purple essence . This hellebore is particularly notable for its large , rounded leaf , which give it a classifiable flavor compared to the more common species .

Helleborus vesicarius

rule in the Balkan Peninsula , this species features humble , light-green flowers and is more noted for its foliage , which is deep cut and can take on a cherry hue in cold conditions . It ’s not wide grow but is interesting for its resiliency in harsh conditions .

Helleborus occidentalis

Native to Portugal , this hellebore has little , dark-green - whitened flowers and is appreciated for its compact growth drug abuse and evergreen plant leaves , construct it desirable for rock gardens or as soil cover version in shaded areas .

Helleborus bocconei

An Italian aborigine , this hellebore has nodding , fleeceable flowers with a hint of red at the base of the petals . Its leaves are wide and passably resemble those of H. foetidus but are less saw-toothed . It ’s less vulgar in cultivation but adds diversity to hellebore collections .

Helleborus hercegovinus

From Herzegovina , this species is exchangeable to H. odorus but with flowers that are more yellow and less dark-green . It contributes to the fragrance in some hybrid lines , though it ’s not extensively used in breeding .

Helleborus croaticus

Another Balkan aborigine , this hellebore has green prime with purple veins and is noted for its loggerheaded , gloomy green leave-taking . It ’s rarefied in gardens but could be a gem for those concerned in collecting less vulgar species .

genus Helleborus abruzzicus

This metal money , from Italy , has pocket-sized , drooping , dark-green flowers . While not as showy as some others , its robust leafage and adaptability to various garden conditions make it a undecomposed pick for underplanting or in woodland gardens .

Helleborus serbicus

With immature flower tinged with red-faced , this Serbian native is appreciated for its robustness and the elegance of its flowers , which are hold on arching stems . Its foliage is another asset , being compact and resistant to cold .

Helleborus atrosanguineus

Often called the “ black hellebore ” for its dark , almost black bloom , this species from Greece is rarefied in culture due to its specific needs but is extremely sought after for its unique color . The blooms are not truly black but a very deep purple - red .

genus Helleborus vesicarius ssp . istriacus

A race institute in Istria , this hellebore is similar to H. vesicarius but adapt to more or less different environmental conditions , show slender variation in leaf and flush form , often with a bit more robustness to withstand wide-ranging climates .