Click for previous Image Image 1 of 4 Helleborus orientalis subsp. abchasicus Lenten Rose

Helleborus orientalis subsp. abchasicus 'Winter's Dusk'

Lenten Rose

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Helleborus orientalis subsp. abchasicus ‘Winter’s Dusk’ – this is a true H. orientalis selection as ID’d by Professor Jonathan Lehrer. It blooms very early – often as H. niger is beginning its reign, usually days before the H. x hybridus cultivars add to the show; it all depends on the kind of winter we have. The flowers are 2” outward facing bowls on stems about 8” to 10” tall. The color is a rich red-violet, fetching with the large yellow boss of stamens. When the foliage emerges it is infused with lacquered bronze-black. The wonderful leaf color soon fades to green. I have one of my stock plants neighboring a patch of snowdrops – what a show they make together! 'Winter's Dusk' is a gorgeous clumper. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.


More About Helleborus orientalis subsp. abchasicus 'Winter's Dusk'

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Height:

10-15 in

Colors:

Purple Red

Characteristics and Attributes for Helleborus orientalis subsp. abchasicus 'Winter's Dusk'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Winter / Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Woodland
  • Border
  • Massing
  • Rock Garden
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Specimen

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Slow

Soil

  • Woodland
  • Fertile
  • Humus Laden
  • Organic
  • Moist

Origins

  • Quackin' Grass Nursery

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Helleborus

Hellebores are indispensible in the woodland garden. They are among the earliest, herbaceous plants with the largest, showiest flowers to brave late winter/early spring cold temperatures and shine, shine, shine! Flowers often age to chartreuse (certainly in H. x hybridus) extending the bloom effect. The foliage for most of the following perennials lasts for nearly 3 seasons – from spring until the following winter solstice in northeastern Connecticut. It is said that lime in the planting hole is helpful. We have never done so and they perform wonderfully for us. Open shade, dappled conditions, morning sun/afternoon shade is best. Plant them in any good woodland soil with organic matter. All of the following are offered as pot grown by good old-fashioned perennial division. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.