Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Black'
Double Black Lenten Rose
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- 15 to 24 in
- Width
- 18 to 24 in
- Flower color
- Deep black-flushed to dark purple double flowers
- Foliage color
- Evergreen, divided leathery green leaves
- Bloom time
- Late winter into early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to dappled shade
- Water
- Average; drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune away old or tattered foliage in late winter before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6a to 10b
- Wildlife
- Flowers offer early-season nectar and pollen for bumblebees and other pollinators; foliage is deer- and rabbit-resistant
About this plant
Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Black' is an evergreen perennial with clumps of leathery green leaves above nodding double flowers. Each bloom has many layers of deep purple-black petals around a cluster of pale stamens. Flowering begins in late winter and continues into early spring, often from January through April, adding color in the cool season.
'Double Black' is a selected seed strain of hybrid Lenten rose from specialist breeding programs such as Ashwood Garden Hybrids and Cistus Nursery. Plants are raised from parent stock chosen to maintain the double black coloration and heavy bloom. Evergreen foliage and a long flowering season suit woodland borders, shaded beds, and containers near paths or patios.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Wild ginger · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff
Design tip
Winter interest is the reason to grow it, so keep it near an entry where the bloom is noticed. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
