Helleborus x iburgensis 'Pippa's Purple'

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Key characteristics

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Smoky pink with burgundy flecking
Foliage color: Dark green with silver marbling
Bloom time: Late winter to mid-spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade; can tolerate full sun in milder climates if roots are kept cool
Water: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning after flowering if necessary
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators; deer and rabbit resistant

Perennials

Helleborus x iburgensis 'Pippa's Purple'

Pippa's Purple Lenten Rose

Helleborus × iburgensis 'Pippa's Purple' is an evergreen perennial that blooms from late winter into early spring. This cultivar was developed by English hybridizer Rodney Davey. It features large, purple-pink flowers with deep burgundy speckles, held upright and outward on dark purple stems. The prominent yellow stamens at the center add a bright contrast to the richly colored petals.

A distinguishing characteristic of 'Pippa's Purple' is its marbled foliage, with deep green leaves overlaid with silver-mauve mottling.

Light

Partial shade to full shade; can tolerate full sun in milder climates if roots are kept cool

Water

Prefers moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter to mid-spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones

Design tip

Flowers in the quietest months make this worth a sheltered spot within sight of a window or door. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)