Hellebore [Anna's Red] Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Anna's Red = 'Abcrd02' (PBR) (Frostkiss Series)
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ABOUT
[Anna's Red] is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to around 60cm. The leathery, evergreen leaves have fine cream marbling, flushed pink in spring. The outward-facing, single flowers are rich red-purple with cream stamens, produced from late winter to mid-spring
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Anna's Red Hellebore, Rodney Davey's Marbled Hellebore
Common names
Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Anna's Red = 'Abcrd02' (PBR) (Frostkiss Series).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: The Helleborus Anna's Red has marbled, deep green leaves that add texture and interest to the garden throughout the year.
- Long flowering period: It blooms in late winter to early spring, providing color at a time when few other plants are flowering.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Shade tolerance: This hellebore is well-suited for shaded areas where many other plants struggle to grow.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with wildlife.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, does not need regular fertilization or deadheading.
- Cold hardiness: It is capable of withstanding cold winter conditions, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Ground cover: Its foliage spreads adequately to cover the ground, which helps to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
- It adds winter interest to the landscape with its early flowers and attractive foliage when most plants are dormant.
- It is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space or poor soil to enjoy its beauty.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The striking flowers of Helleborus 'Anna's Red' make it a beautiful subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro or nature photography.
- Winter Garden Interest: With its early blooming period, Helleborus 'Anna's Red' can be used to add color and interest to gardens during the otherwise dull winter months.
- Lenten Artwork Themes: Artists may use the blooms of Helleborus 'Anna's Red' as symbols in religious or spiritual artwork due to its association with Lent and Easter.
- Culinary Garnish: While not edible, the flowers can be used as a temporary, decorative garnish for plating high-end dishes in culinary presentations.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Helleborus 'Anna's Red' can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Handmade Paper Inclusions: Petals and leaves of Helleborus 'Anna's Red' can be included in handmade paper to create a unique texture and design.
- Crafting and Potpourri: Dried Helleborus 'Anna's Red' flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes or used in various crafting projects for their color and form.
- Dye Source: The pigments from the petals of Helleborus 'Anna's Red' may be used in natural dyeing processes for fabrics or fibers.
- Fairy and Miniature Gardens: Due to its compact growth and attractive foliage, Helleborus 'Anna's Red' can be a charming addition to fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Special Events Decor: Helleborus 'Anna's Red' can be used as part of floral arrangements or table centerpieces for events like winter weddings or themed parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lenten Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lenten Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hellebores, commonly known as Lenten roses, bloom in late winter or early spring, often pushing through frozen ground and snow to display their flowers. As such, they symbolize resilience and the ability to overcome adversities.
- Renewal: Because their blooming period coincides with Lent, a time of reflection and renewal in the Christian calendar, Lenten roses are often associated with new beginnings and the rejuvenation of spring after the cold winter months.
- Protection: In medieval times, people believed that hellebores could ward off evil spirits. This association with protection may also stem from the plant’s toxic properties, which can repel animals and were used in ancient times to create potions.
- Beauty: The striking appearance of 'Anna's Red', with its rich marbled foliage and vibrant, deep red flowers, is a symbol of the unique and captivating beauty that persists despite harsh conditions.
- Serenity: The gently nodding flowers of the Lenten rose convey a sense of calm and serenity, embodying a quiet beauty and grace.
- Scandal or Folly: The genus name Helleborus derives from the Greek words "elein" (to injure) and "bora" (food), alluding to the plant’s toxic nature. This has led to an association with scandal or folly, as consuming the plant could lead to dire consequences.
WaterThe Lenten Rose should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant. Watering should ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During periods of extended dryness or in particularly hot, dry climates, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce the amount of water in winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightLenten Rose thrives in partial shade to full shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade for most of the day, avoiding intense afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. An area under deciduous trees is perfect as it provides light in spring before the leaves come out, and shade during the hotter months.
TemperatureLenten Rose generally prefers cooler climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°F, with maximum temperatures of around 90°F. The ideal temperature range for the Lenten Rose is between 40°F and 70°F. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat and ensure protection from harsh winter winds.
PruningPrune the Lenten Rose to remove damaged or diseased leaves and to promote healthy growth, typically in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning can also include removing older leaves after blooming to make way for new foliage. Pruning annually will encourage the plant to produce more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Lenten rose prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A mix of one-third garden soil, one-third compost or well-rotted manure, and one-third sharp sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 7.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingLenten roses like 'Anna's Red' seldom need repotting and can remain in the same pot for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container is adequate.
Humidity & MistingLenten roses thrive in average humidity conditions and do not require any special humidity adjustments. As long as the natural humidity of the outdoor environment is not excessively dry, 'Anna's Red' should flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures to grow Lenten rose inside.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and shelter from harsh winds for optimal outdoor growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHelleborus Anna's Red begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil, typically in spring or autumn. Upon sprouting, the seedling slowly matures into a clump-forming perennial with leathery, marbled leaves and sturdy stems. Throughout late winter to early spring, the plant develops flower buds that bloom into striking red or deep pink flowers, which persist for several weeks. After pollination, often by early-active insects, the flowers eventually give way to seed pods that ripen and release seeds, propagating the next generation. The plant then enters a period of vegetative growth during the warmer months, building energy reserves in the roots for the next flowering season. As temperatures drop in autumn, Helleborus Anna's Red becomes dormant, conserving energy for the next cycle of growth and flowering in the following winter to spring period.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Helleborus 'Anna's Red', like other members of the Helleborus genus, can typically be propagated by division, which is often regarded as the most popular method for this plant. The best time to divide hellebores is in late winter or early spring, just as they are finishing their blooming period or when they start to put out new growth. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the entire plant, taking care not to damage the root system. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least two or three growth buds. Replant the divisions promptly, ideally placing them at the same soil depth they were growing at before, and water well to encourage root establishment. Division helps to invigorate older plants while also providing new plants to expand the garden or share with fellow gardeners.
