Lenten Rose Helleborus × hybridus 'Cherry Davis'
ABOUT
The 'Cherry Davis' is a captivating perennial known for its striking blossoms and lush foliage. It boasts large, cup-shaped flowers that exude elegance, with petals in a rich cherry-pink hue, often adorned with contrasting streaks or specks that add depth and complexity to their appearance. The flowers have a nodding habit, gently bowing down towards the earth, which complements their alluring charm. Surrounding the blooms are glossy, deep green leaves. These leaves are leathery to the touch and typically have a serrated edge, giving them a slightly jagged look. They are divided into several segments, often creating a palmate-like structure that adds a unique and textured backdrop to the showy blossoms. The 'Cherry Davis' also has a robust and sturdy presence in the garden. The plant's overall appearance can be described as vibrant and richly colored, contributing a burst of life to any landscape during its blooming season. It exudes a rustic elegance that can enhance traditional garden aesthetics as well as more contemporary landscapes, offering a touch of early spring beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Lenten Rose, Winter Rose, Christmas Rose
Common names
Helleborus × hybridus 'Cherry Davis'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Lenten rose is toxic to humans if ingested. It contains compounds such as glycosides and alkaloids which can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can cause nervous system depression and cardiac complications. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is important to avoid consuming any part of this plant and to handle it with care if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
The Lenten rose is also toxic to pets. Similar to its effects in humans, ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases can result in depression, tremors, and seizures. It is crucial to keep the Lenten rose out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Hellebore adds visual interest to gardens with its unique and vibrant cherry-red flowers.
- Winter Blooming: As one of the few plants that bloom in late winter to early spring, it provides color during the duller months.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hellebores have good drought tolerance, requiring less water compared to many other garden plants.
- Shade Tolerance: They thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for garden spots that receive little sunlight.
- Low Maintenance: Hellebores are generally easy to care for without the need for frequent pruning or deadheading.
- Long-Lived Perennial: These plants are known for their longevity, often thriving for many years in suitable growing conditions.
- Deer and Pest Resistance: Hellebores are typically resistant to deer and other pests, reducing the need for chemical deterrents.
- Non-Invasive: They are not known to be invasive, so they coexist well with other plants without overtaking garden spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hellebore 'Cherry Davis' can be used in dried flower arrangements. When the blooms have matured and lost their freshness, they can be dried and preserved to maintain their color and shape.
- The plant can be a unique ingredient in creating natural plant dyes. Though not commonly practiced, the deep pigments of 'Cherry Davis' blooms could provide a source of color for textile dying.
- During winter, Hellebore 'Cherry Davis' can serve as a natural garden ornamentation. Its ability to bloom in colder months offers a decorative element in otherwise barren gardens.
- Hellebore 'Cherry Davis' can be used in photographic subjects and art inspiration, especially for botanical illustrators looking for unique and colorful specimens to depict.
- The plant can be involved in educational activities, like plant biology studies, because of its winter blooming characteristics, which are atypical for most flowering plants.
- Can be planted as a companion plant in the orchard to provide early spring bloom, possibly attracting early pollinators to the area.
- Used in frost resistance studies, as Hellebore 'Cherry Davis' is known for its ability to survive and bloom through frost, providing valuable data for botanical cold-weather research.
- It can act as a visual guide for snow cover estimates in gardens, as the flowers can be used to gauge the depth of snowfall in winter gardens.
- In crafting, the petals of Hellebore 'Cherry Davis' can be used to create natural jewelry, such as pendants or earrings, when coated in a preserving medium like resin.
- The plant could provide ground cover that reduces soil erosion in shaded garden areas, thanks to its foliage that remains green even through winter months.
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- Serenity: Helleborus, commonly known as Lenten Rose, often embodies tranquility and peace, as its appearance brings calmness to winter-weary gardens.
- Resilience: The Lenten Rose is known for its ability to withstand cold and frost, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in adversity.
- Renaissance: Blooming in winter or early spring, the Lenten Rose signifies rebirth and the start of new beginnings, much like the season it flowers in.
- Protection: Historically, Helleborus was thought to have protective qualities, warding off negative influences and evil spirits within medieval folklore.
WaterLenten roses, including the 'Cherry Davis' variety, thrive when watered deeply but infrequently. Aim to water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically is about one to two times per week. During the active growing season in spring and fall, you may need to water more frequently, especially if conditions are particularly dry. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant to prevent root rot, making sure the soil does not completely dry out.
LightLenten roses like 'Cherry Davis' prefer to be positioned in partial shade to full shade. They flourish under the dappled light of a canopy of deciduous trees or in a north-facing garden spot that provides protection from the intense afternoon sun. Consistent exposure to morning light with afternoon shade often yields the best flowering results for these perennials.
TemperatureLenten roses such as the 'Cherry Davis' variety are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a wide range of temperatures. They can survive winter temperatures down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and are comfortable in summer temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal growing temperatures for Lenten roses fall between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Lenten roses such as the 'Cherry Davis' variety generally involves removing damaged or brown foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This keeps the plant looking tidy and may improve its health and flowering. Prune flower stalks after blooms fade to encourage new growth. Yearly pruning typically suffices.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLenten Rose thrives best in well-draining soil with a rich organic content; a mix of one-third each of loamy soil, pine bark, and leaf compost is ideal. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 8.0.
RepottingLenten Roses are generally slow-growing and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is typically necessary every 3 to 4 years, or when the plant outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingLenten Rose prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as it is not in an excessively dry environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Part-shade to full-shade spot, sheltered from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHelleborus × hybridus 'Cherry Blossom', commonly known as Lenten rose, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring or early summer after a period of stratification, which simulates winter conditions. The seedlings grow slowly, developing a deep root system and foliage the first year, with true leaves emerging. In the following years, the plant forms a clump of leathery, evergreen leaves and reaches maturity, typically flowering from late winter to early spring. The flowers range in color from pink, green, purple to near-black, and after pollination by insects, they produce seed capsules. The plant can also propagate vegetatively through division of its root clump, usually done in the autumn. Over time, the Lenten rose can become quite large, with clumps lasting for many years if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Propogation: Helleborus × hybridus 'Cherry Davis', commonly known as Lenten Rose, is typically propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant by division is in late spring after they have finished flowering or in early fall. To do this, carefully dig around the plant to lift it from the ground, taking care not to damage the root system. Once the plant is out, gently separate the clumps of crowns with your hands or use a sharp knife if necessary, making sure that each division has at least two or three growth buds. Replant the divisions immediately in prepared soil, ensuring that the crowns are planted at the same depth they were growing at previously. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them.
