Hellebores
One of the first perennials to bloom in late winter, hellebores bring color to shady spots when everything else is still dormant. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Hellebores — also called Lenten roses or Christmas roses — are one of the few perennials that bloom in the dead of winter here on the Oregon coast. From January through March, they produce elegant nodding flowers in shades of cream, pink, purple, green, and near-black.
Why We Love Them:
- Bloom when nothing else does (January–March)
- Evergreen foliage looks good year-round
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Thrive in shade and partial shade
- Basically indestructible once established
Planting & Care:
- Light: Partial to full shade — under deciduous trees is perfect
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly alkaline (they're not as picky as rhododendrons)
- Water: Regular water the first year, drought-tolerant once established
- Fertilizer: A light top-dressing of compost in fall
- Pruning: Cut old leaves to the ground in late winter before flowers emerge — makes the blooms easier to see
Best Varieties for Our Area:
- Helleborus orientalis — the classic Lenten rose, easiest to grow
- Helleborus niger — true Christmas rose, blooms earliest
- Helleborus foetidus — stinking hellebore (don't let the name fool you), architectural green flowers
We usually have hellebores in stock from November through March. Come in and pick your favorites while they're in bloom — that's the best way to choose colors.