2005 Perennial Plant of the Year: Helleborus x hybridus

A classic beauty, the Lenten Rose has long been revered for its tough constitution and charming blooms. Finally, its getting the recognition it deserves!

The PPA has announced their pick for the Plant of the Year, the Lenten Rose. Hellebores are the harbingers of Spring, blooming for six weeks or more. They come in a wide array of colors, ranging on one end of the spectrum from winter white to lemon to chartreuse and on the other end of the spectrum from rose to dusky purple to near black. The evergreen, leathery, serrated leaves form an umbrella-like covering which sometimes coddle the nodding flowers. This is the perfect plant for naturalizing in moist, woodland areas where its extensive root system will spread as far as it is allowed. Hellebores are exquisite in combination with the 2004 Plant of the Year, Athyrium n. 'Pictum', as well as Pulmonaria, Asarum, and other early-blooming perennials.