Q: I keep hearing that hellebores are great for late winter and early spring. I hear they’re deer resistant, too. What kinds do you recommend?
A: Although there are many species of hellebores, the most well-known in the United States are H. niger and H. orientalis. All are members of the Ranunculacae (buttercup) family.
The earlier blooming H. niger, commonly called the Christmas rose, is an evergreen perennial that grows to about 13 inches in height and, with its remarkable resistance to frost, blooms from December through April. The common name comes from a legend that the plant sprouted from the tears shed in the snow by a youngster who had no gift for the Christ child.
It’s hardy to USDA Zone 3 and likes stony, clay soil. In fact, it often flowers where nothing else will grow. It is noninvasive and appears as a ground cover in summer.
All parts of hellebores are toxic to humans and animal. It is considered one of the four classic poisons along with hemlock, nightshade and aconite.
H. orientalis, commonly known as the lenten rose, is another good hellebore for Hudson Valley gardens. Because of hybridizing, there are many colors available, ranging from black to green.
Hellebores are relatively disease and pest free.
Judie Phillips, Master Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester