Helleborus x hybridus (Hybrid Lenten Rose) [20 Seeds]

(1 customer review)

$4.50

Germination Information: I recommend these only for gardeners who are experienced with handling seeds that have multi-cycle germination patterns (in this case, 70-40: 3 months of warmth and moisture followed by cool temperatures). The germination period takes anywhere from about 5 months to a year or more, and then it may take the plants another 3 or 4 years to reach flowering size. The entire process requires care and patience. If you are hoping to have flowers quickly, you are better off buying started plants.

For best results, purchase these seeds in June or July (maybe to mid August in warm climates). Sow them immediately upon receipt, 1/4 to 1/3 inch deep, and leave the pot outdoors so they experience a warm-and-moist period before the weather cools. In mild areas, the seeds may sprout in November or December; elsewhere, they should appear in spring.

If you sow from September through May, still plant the seeds immediately and leave them outdoors; they may not sprout until fall of the following year, or the spring after. Or, consider providing an artificial (indoor) warm-then-cool treatment if you are sowing at a non-optimal time.

Whenever you sow, check regularly to make sure the soil does not dry out completely throughout the germination process. Also, protect from mice, which will happily feast on the seeds.

Note that this information will not appear on the seed packet you receive.

Please read the description as well before ordering.

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Description

Hybrid Lenten roses (Helleborus x hybridus), also known as hybrid hellebores or Orientalis Hybrids (or incorrectly as H. orientalis), are long-lived perennials that typically reach 12 to 18 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. They flower in late winter to mid-spring, then send up rich green, palmate foliage that remains evergreen through winter in most areas. The plants tend to be deer-resistant but are not deer-proof. Though Lenten roses are commonly thought of as shade plants, they can perform well with some sun too, particularly in Zone 7 and north, as long as the soil isn’t too dry. USDA Hardiness Zone 5 (possibly 4) to 9.

It takes Lenten rose plants several years to reach flowering size from seed. But once they start blooming, they are likely to self-sow, making it easy to expand your collection over the following years, either by collecting the seeds and scattering them in new areas or by allowing the seeds to drop and transplanting the seedlings that appear the following spring. If you don’t need more plants, cut off the flowering stems once the blooms are past their prime: that will make the clumps look tidier and prevent unwanted seedlings.

I collected these seeds in late May 2023, from my collection of many dozens of plants. The resulting seedlings will have a range of typical Lenten rose colors (primarily burgundy-reds, pinks, and white); may be spotted or solid-colored; and are most likely to be single-flowered. There also seem to be some variegated genetics in my stock, occasionally producing splash-type markings on the foliage. I usually find a half-dozen or so variegated seedlings each year, and you too may find some, but no promises. The photos here feature some flowers and plants in my collection but are shown as representations only. I cannot guarantee any particular colors, shapes, or other flower features.

Each packet contains at least 20 seeds. Shipping to US addresses only.

PLEASE read the Germination Information section of this listing before ordering these seeds.

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1 review for Helleborus x hybridus (Hybrid Lenten Rose) [20 Seeds]

  1. Anonymous (verified owner)

    Even though these need a hot period, followed by winter prior to germinating, I actually do have a sprout already. So, I’m impressed.

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