Ivory Prince Hellebore Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Ivory Prince' (PBR)
ABOUT
'Ivory Prince' is a striking plant known commonly as Hellebore. It boasts handsome, leathery, dark green leaves that create a thick, evergreen mound. Each leaf is deeply lobed, with a toothed edge, adding texture to the foliage. The real highlight of 'Ivory Prince' is its beautiful blooms, which appear in late winter to early spring when few other plants are flowering. The flowers are large, outward-facing, and cup-shaped. They are a blend of ivory, green, and dusty pink colors, often with a hint of purple at the base. The petals, which are technically sepals, surround a cluster of contrasting yellow stamens, creating a striking display. As the flowers mature, they may develop a greenish hue, further enhancing their charm. Unique to 'Ivory Prince' is the way the flowers rise above the foliage on strong, upright stems, putting on a showy display. The blooms stand out dramatically against the dark green leaves, making the plant a focal point in the garden during a season when color is often scarce. Overall, 'Ivory Prince' is treasured for its ornamental qualities, including its robust foliage and the captivating colors and form of its long-lasting flowers. This particular variety is an alluring addition to any garden, bringing beauty and interest to the landscape during the late winter to early spring months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Ivory Prince Hellebore, Ivory Prince Lenten Rose
Common names
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Ivory Prince' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as hellebore is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of hellebore poisoning can include burning sensations in the mouth and throat, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nervous symptoms, and possibly depression of the central nervous system. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Care should be taken to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to wear gloves when handling it to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
Hellebore is also toxic to pets. Similar to its effect on humans, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested by animals. Symptoms of hellebore poisoning in pets can include drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potentially collapse or seizures in severe cases. Pet owners should prevent their animals from accessing any part of the plant and seek veterinary attention if they suspect their pet has ingested hellebore.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 feet 12 inches (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet 12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Extended Blooming Season: Flowers from late winter through spring, providing color when few other plants do.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Shade Loving: Thrives in part to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shady borders.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Naturally resists browsing by deer and rabbits, which is beneficial for gardeners struggling with these pests.
- Evergreen Foliage: Maintains its attractive, leathery green leaves throughout the year, adding consistent structure to garden beds.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires minimal care once settled in, with only occasional watering and pruning needed.
- Attracts Pollinators: Early flowers provide a food source for bees and other pollinators when little else is in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Hellebore 'Ivory Prince' can be used in winter wedding bouquets to provide a touch of natural elegance during the colder months, as it is one of the few plants that blooms in winter.
- The blooms can be floated in large, shallow water dishes for an ethereal and unique centerpiece for winter events or dinners.
- This plant's sturdy and attractive foliage can serve as a beautiful green backdrop in floral arrangements or when photographing smaller items for artistic compositions.
- 'Ivory Prince' can be used as a live model in botanical art classes, allowing students to study and paint its detailed structure during its blooming period.
- Dried Hellebore flowers can be used for crafting wreaths and dried flower arrangements that maintain their shape and color well.
- The seed pods can be harvested and used in dry bouquets, providing texture and interest to the arrangement.
- The plant acts as an early nectar source for pollinators, helping to support bees as they emerge in early spring.
- Hellebore 'Ivory Prince' can be integrated into winter-themed garden photography and workshops that focus on capturing the beauty of plants in cold weather conditions.
- Incorporate the 'Ivory Prince' into a garden meditation space, as its serene blooms can contribute to a peaceful and reflective outdoor environment.
- Its pale flowers are sometimes used in frosty- or fairy tale-themed dioramas and model landscapes due to their delicate appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Christmas Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Christmas Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Helleborus, also known as the Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, often blooms during late winter or early spring, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in harsh conditions.
- New Beginnings - Since Helleborus flowers at a time when few other plants do, it represents rebirth and new beginnings, much like the start of the year.
- Overcoming Adversity - The bloom's emergence through cold, snowy grounds represents overcoming challenges or adversity.
- Protection - In ancient lore, Helleborus was believed to have protective qualities, warding off negative influences and evil spirits.
- Tranquility - The subtle and calming coloration of 'Ivory Prince,' a pale white with green hues, symbolizes tranquility and peace.
WaterThe Lenten rose 'Ivory Prince' should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened to a depth of several inches. During hotter, drier weeks, you may need to increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering. In the winter months, reduce watering to every other week or as needed, since the plant requires less moisture during this time. It's best to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Approximately one to two gallons of water per plant, depending on size and environmental conditions, should be sufficient for each watering session.
LightThe Lenten rose 'Ivory Prince' thrives best in partial to full shade, with dappled sunlight being ideal. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. A spot under canopy trees or on the north or east side of a building where the plant will receive morning light and afternoon shade is optimal for ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Lenten rose 'Ivory Prince' is cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F, making it suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. The ideal growing temperature for this plant ranges between 40°F and 70°F. High heat above 80°F can stress the plant, so providing shade during the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates is beneficial.
PruningPruning the Lenten rose 'Ivory Prince' is mainly done to remove old, damaged, or diseased leaves and to promote a tidy appearance. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's foliage at this time to make room for fresh leaves and flowers. Pruning is typically done annually, but the plant may also benefit from the removal of spent flowers to encourage additional blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilIvory Prince Hellebore thrives in well-drained, rich soil with added organic matter and a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The best mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand for drainage.
RepottingIvory Prince Hellebore does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2 to 4 years as they are slow-growing and can thrive in the same pot for years.
Humidity & MistingIvory Prince Hellebore prefers average humidity conditions and can tolerate some dry air; it does not need high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep in cool room.
Outdoor
Partial shade to full sun; shelter from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of 'Ivory Prince' Lenten Rose (Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Ivory Prince') begins with seed germination in spring, which occurs under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants, forming a rosette of leaves during their first year. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, producing leathery, dark green leaves. It reaches maturity in a few years, at which point it begins its reproductive phase, blooming in late winter to early spring with cream-colored flowers that gradually turn green or pink. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which release seeds upon maturity, completing the cycle. Annually after flowering, the plant goes through a phase of dormancy in the summer months, with reduced growth activity.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Ivory Prince', commonly known as the Lenten Rose 'Ivory Prince', is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide 'Ivory Prince' is in late summer to early fall, when the plant is dormant, to ensure that it will have time to establish in its new location before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, trying to keep the root ball intact. Gently tease apart clumps of the plant, ensuring that each division has several growth points and a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth as the original plant and water them well. It's important not to plant too deeply to prevent crown rot. Divisions should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) to allow adequate room for growth.
