How big does Lenten rose grow?

About 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–45 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Lenten rose grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Lenten rose hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Lenten rose flower?

Flowering: February–April, white, pink, purple, red, green, yellow.

How much water does Lenten rose need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Lenten rose cost?

It sells for roughly €11 to €17 in local shops, depending on size.

Lenten rose

Helleborus orientalis

Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) is a perennial that reaches 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €11.

Illustration of Lenten rose — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An evergreen, shade-tolerant perennial that carries nodding white, pink, plum or speckled flowers from late winter into spring, when little else is in bloom. Nurseries almost always sell its hybrids (garden hellebores), so the colour of seed-raised plants only shows at first flowering. Plant it under deciduous trees and shrubs in humus-rich, well-drained soil and leave it in place: it is long-lived and self-seeds gently, but every part is poisonous.

Watch out for

Hellebore leaf spot (black spot) causes round brown-black patches on leaves and stems in wet weather: cut off the old leaves in late winter before the buds rise, and do not compost them. The crown rots in waterlogged soil. Aphids can gather on new shoots and flowers, and slugs and snails feed on young leaves. Plants with black streaks and distorted growth (the virus disease called hellebore black death) must be discarded. The foliage scorches in hot summer sun and in soil that dries out.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, white, pink, purple, red, green, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–45 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	February–April, white, pink, purple, red, green, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €11

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €11 – €17

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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