Helleborus Midnight Ruffles (Hellebore)
Helleborus ‘Midnight Ruffles’ is a Lenten Rose with large double flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), packed with gently ruffled, velvety black petals, which contrast with the pale yellow stamens. Blooming heavily in early to mid-spring, these nodding beauties rise on sturdy stems and contrast well with the glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage.
Helleborus ‘Midnight Ruffles’ is a Lenten Rose with large double flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), packed with gently ruffled, velvety black petals, which contrast with the pale yellow stamens. Blooming heavily in early to mid-spring, these nodding beauties rise on sturdy stems and contrast well with the glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage. This Hellebore belongs to the Winter Thrillers Series, which is noted for its double-flowered selections which retain their color for up to 12 weeks, long after the flowers are spent. Showy and long-lasting, this Lenten Rose provides year-round interest and is ideal to brighten areas of dappled shade under deciduous trees and shrubs!
- Grows in a bushy, upright clump, up to 18-22 in. tall (45-55 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
- Performs best in partial shade to full shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Avoid soils prone to drying out or staying wet.
- Select a sheltered site to protect your hellebores from cold winter winds.
- Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to shady borders, containers, under trees or large shrubs, woodland gardens, or cottage gardens. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.
- Hellebore flowers provide valuable nectar for early pollinators. Hellebore is not generally a plant that deer or other animals seek out to eat, but if other food sources are scarce, they may come along and make a meal out of your Hellebore.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, snails, hellebore leaf spot, and hellebore black death.
- Remove faded flower stems (unless you require seed) to promote new growth and for a neat appearance.
- Ingestion may cause severe discomfort, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
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Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
Climate Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Helleborus – Hellebores |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |