The Lenten Rose is also known as the Oriental Hellebore, and for good reason—it originally hails from Turkey and the Caucasus region. It eventually made its way into European and American gardens, mostly because it’s one of the absolute earliest bloomers you can find.
You Might See Blooms as Early as January
The Lenten Rose starts its show right in the heart of winter, often while your flower beds and lawn are still tucked under a blanket of snow. Sometimes, you’ll see those first brave blossoms popping up as early as late January. More often than not, though, the real magic starts in February. If the weather is particularly nasty, the Lenten Rose might play it safe and wait until March before its main flowering season kicks into high gear.
How Long Does the Show Last?
From the moment the first buds open until the last petals fade, you’re looking at several weeks of color. Exactly how long they stay in bloom depends less on the calendar and more on Mother Nature. Usually, once the temperatures start climbing too high, these plants wrap up their floral display for the year.
A Rainbow of Colors (But Handle with Care!)
Home gardeners love the Lenten Rose not just for its early start, but for its incredible variety. While its famous cousin, the Christmas Rose, only comes in white, the Lenten Rose shows off a whole spectrum of shades. Depending on the specific variety you plant, you can find them in:
- White
- Pink
- Yellow
- Red
- Deep Purple/Violet
Since there’s so little color in the garden during late winter, you might wonder why you don’t see these everywhere. The main reason is that the Lenten Rose is actually quite toxic. Every single part of the plant—from the leaves and flowers to the roots and seeds—is poisonous, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you have curious pets or kiddos running around!
