You’ll get non-stop delivery from this evergreen perennial, season after season.  The Lenten Rose Helleborus orientalis blooms in late winter before anything else, and has the energy and resistance to stand up to late frosts.  Bloom season is January through March, and even the faded, nodding flowers are beautiful at the end of the cycle.

It’s best to choose plants when they are blooming so you can pick “true colors” that are best for your garden palette. Nurseries tend to stock plants only when they are blooming, so a visit to the local nursery will reveal the color choices for this perennial. 

Even better, these plants are deer and rabbit resistant, so plant them with confidence in the garden. They will self-sow, very slowly, so dividing is rarely necessary unless you are willing to share them with friends, family or neighbors.