Hellebore 'Pebworth White' Helleborus × hybridus 'Pebworth White'
ABOUT
'Pebworth White' has white flowers, flushed green and lightly dotted with red towards the centre
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lenten Rose, Winter Rose, Christmas Rose.
Common names
Helleborus × hybridus 'Pebworth White'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics: 'Pebworth White' brings subtle elegance with its delicate white blooms adding contrast and interest to shaded garden areas.
- Shade tolerance: This cultivar thrives in partial to full shade, making it a valuable addition to underplantings in wooded gardens or north-facing sites.
- Early blooming: With its early spring flowers, it provides welcome beauty after a long winter when few other plants are blooming.
- Drought resistance: Once established, Hellebores are relatively drought tolerant, requiring less watering and maintenance than many other perennials.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which can help to maintain a more pristine garden appearance.
- Long-lasting flowers: The blooms of 'Pebworth White' are known for their longevity, lasting for several weeks and even through frost.
- Evergreen foliage: The leathery, deep green leaves of Hellebores provide year-round interest even when the plant is not 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- Photography subjects: The distinctive white blooms of Helleborus 'Pebworth White' make them a favorite among photographers, particularly for macro photography to capture the intricate details of the petals.
- Artists' muse: The unique beauty of the Helleborus 'Pebworth White' often inspires artists to include them in botanical illustrations and garden-themed artworks.
- Winter garden interest: These plants bloom in late winter to early spring, providing aesthetic value to gardens during times when most other plants are dormant.
- Education: Helleborus 'Pebworth White' can be used in educational settings, such as botanical gardens or school projects, to demonstrate plant lifecycle, breeding, and hybridization techniques.
- Companion planting: Although not a traditional use, the Helleborus 'Pebworth White' can be planted as a companion to other shade-loving plants to create visually appealing and varied garden textures.
- Cut flowers: The flowers of Helleborus 'Pebworth White', when cut and placed in water immediately, can be used as a part of floral arrangements to add elegance and a touch of the unusual.
- Therapeutic gardens: While excluding medicinal properties, the presence of Helleborus 'Pebworth White' in a therapeutic garden can contribute to a calming and soothing environment.
- Seed collection: The seeds of these plants can be collected and traded among horticulture enthusiasts, allowing for the propagation of this specific hybrid variety in diverse locations.
- Ephemeral art: Fallen petals of the Helleborus 'Pebworth White' can be used to create temporary, biodegradable art pieces that highlight the transient beauty of nature.
- Cultural events: The bloom of Helleborus 'Pebworth White' coincides with certain early spring festivals, and can be used as a motif or decoration during these cultural events.
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: The 'Pebworth White' variety of Lenten Rose harbors a serene white hue suggesting peace and tranquility, often used to create an atmosphere of calm in gardens.
- New Beginnings: Lenten Roses typically bloom in early spring, symbolizing rebirth and the start of a new season after winter's dormancy.
- Protection: Historically, all Helleborus species were thought to offer protection by warding off evil spirits, due to their toxicity and long-lasting nature.
- Relief and Healing: In medieval times, the Lenten Rose was used in medicine, symbolically representing the healing of physical and emotional ailments.
- Overcoming Adversity: The robustness of the Lenten Rose, able to bloom in cold weather, symbolizes endurance and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
WaterThe Lenten Rose should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Water the plant thoroughly until the soil is saturated and then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. This could mean watering once every week during dry spells, but less often during cooler months or when rainfall is sufficient. It is important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. On average, you might need to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.
LightThe Lenten Rose thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for planting under trees or in the shadow of buildings. The best spot for this plant would be an area that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or bright, indirect light. Avoiding direct afternoon sun is particularly important to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Lenten Rose is comfortable in a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures as low as 5 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Optimal growth occurs within the moderate temperature range, avoiding the extremes of the plant's tolerance.
PruningPrune the Lenten Rose to remove dead leaves and faded flowers, which will encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts. It is typically sufficient to prune the plant once a year during this time frame to keep it healthy and looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLenten Rose thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a pH between 6 and 7. A good recipe would be a mix of 50% loam, 30% leaf mold or compost, and 20% sharp sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingLenten Rose generally does not need to be repotted frequently, as it prefers to be left undisturbed. Repotting every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its pot is usually sufficient.
Humidity & MistingLenten Rose is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderately humid environment, similar to what it would experience in its native woodland habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist and well-drained.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLenten Rose 'Pebworth White' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in late spring to early summer, given the right conditions of moisture and temperature. The seedlings then develop into rosettes of dark green, leathery leaves that persist through the winter. In late winter to early spring, flowering stalks emerge bearing white, sometimes pink-tinged, blossoms that can last for several weeks. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules by late spring. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months, conserving energy for the next flowering season. Year after year, the Lenten Rose 'Pebworth White' will mature, slowly spreading by self-seeding and occasionally by division, gradually forming larger clumps.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: For Helleborus × hybridus 'Pebworth White', commonly known as Lenten Rose, seed propagation is a popular method. The best time to collect seeds is when the seed pods have dried on the plant, which usually occurs in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate. Fresh seeds can be sown immediately in prepared soil out of direct sunlight. They may take several months to germinate, often during the following spring. The germination rate can be quite variable, and seedlings may not be true to the parent's characteristics due to cross-pollination. It's important to note that patience is key when propagating Lenten Roses from seed, as it can take three to four years for the seedlings to reach flowering maturity.
