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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Black'

Double Black Lenten Rose

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.

Light

Partial shade to dappled shade

Water

Average; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late winter into early spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)