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Key characteristics

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Light yellow with heavy burgundy red speckling
Foliage color: Dark green, leathery, evergreen leaves
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; remove old foliage before new growth emerges
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts early-season pollinators such as bees

Perennials

Helleborus x hybridus 'Rio Carnival'

Rio Carnival Lenten Rose

Helleborus x hybridus 'Rio Carnival' is an eye-catching hybrid that blooms in late winter to early spring, offering unique, multi-colored flowers. Each flower is delicately patterned with a darker burgundy center and a soft pale-yellow edge, making them stand out against the deep green, leathery foliage. The blooms last for an extended period, providing color and interest during the colder months.

This variety was developed through the Honeymoon series, known for producing robust, long-blooming hellebores with excellent cold tolerance.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes

Design tip

Winter interest is the reason to grow it, so keep it near an entry where the bloom is noticed. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)