Lenten Rose Helleborus (Rodney Davey Marbled Group) Penny's Pink = 'Abcrd01'
![hellebore [Penny's Pink]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5bca539ef.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Penny's Pink, named after the breeder Rodney Davey, is a variety of Lenten rose belonging to the Helleborus genus. It is prized for its striking appearance that includes evergreen, leathery leaves that display a beautiful marbled pattern in shades of green and silver. On top of the attractive foliage, the plant produces large, cup-shaped flowers that add a pop of color to the late-winter to early-spring garden. The blooms are a delightful shade of pink, oftentimes with deeper pink spots and a beautiful, creamy-yellow stamen cluster at the center, showcasing a stunning contrast. As the flowers mature, they may deepen in color, adding further interest. The flowering stems rise above the foliage, making the blossoms quite noticeable. This variety is a gorgeous option for those looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their garden with a plant known for its resilience and low maintenance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Penny's Pink Hellebore, Rodney Davey's Marbled Hellebore
Common names
Helleborus Penny's Pink = 'Abcrd01'
ToxicityTo humans
Penny's Pink, commonly known as the Lenten rose, contains several toxic compounds, including glycosides and saponins, that can cause harm if ingested. All parts of the Lenten rose are poisonous. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation of the mouth and throat. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to colic, bloody diarrhea, depression of the central nervous system, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal if enough plant material is consumed. Contact with the sap may also result in skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
To pets
The Lenten rose is toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The entire plant contains toxic compounds that can lead to poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and depression. In severe cases, consumption can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, seizures, and in rare instances, can be fatal. Even small quantities of the plant can cause adverse reactions, so it is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the Lenten rose.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
18 inches (45 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Helleborus Penny's Pink has attractive marbled foliage and pink blooms that add beauty and interest to winter and early spring gardens.
- Long Blooming: It has a lengthy blooming period from late winter to early spring, providing color when few other plants are in flower.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can be quite drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens and shady areas.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits, which can be a problem with many other garden plants.
- Evergreen: The plant maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing greenery even in the barren winter months.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Ground Cover: Can be used as ground cover due to its spreading habit, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Illustration and Artwork: The distinct marbled leaves and pink flowers of the Hellebore can be used as a subject in botanical art and illustrations.
- Educational Tool: The hybrid nature of 'Penny's Pink' Hellebore can be used to teach plant genetics and hybridization techniques in horticulture classes.
- Winter Garden Interest: The plant can be used as a case study for gardening enthusiasts demonstrating how some perennials bring color to a winter garden.
- Garden Photography: 'Penny's Pink' Hellebore is an excellent subject for garden photographers looking to capture the early blooms and textures of winter and early spring gardens.
- Plant Companionship: The Hellebore can be planted alongside spring bulbs to provide color contrast and extend the blooming season in ornamental gardens.
- Cultural Symbol: In some cultures, Hellebores represent serenity and tranquility and can be used as a motif in gardens designed for meditation and reflection.
- Creative Planters: The plant's resilience makes it a good candidate for unconventional planters like repurposed items, showcasing creative garden design.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not edible, the flowers can be used as a natural decoration for culinary dishes in high-end restaurants, removed before consumption.
- Frost Resistance Education: 'Penny's Pink' can aid in teaching about plant varieties that are resistant to frost, showcasing survival strategies during harsh conditions.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The flowers can play a role in decorating for seasonal celebrations such as Easter, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
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 Helleborus, also known as the Lenten Rose, often symbolizes serenity due to its ability to bloom in early spring, bringing calm and beauty after a long winter.
- Scandal or Anxiety: In some contexts, Helleborus can signify a scandal or anxiety, possibly stemming from the plant's poisonous nature and its use in ancient times to cause madness.
- Healing: Despite its toxicity, the Lenten Rose is also associated with healing because of the medicinal properties it was once believed to possess.
- Protection: Helleborus could symbolize protection as it was used in the past to ward off evil spirits and negative influences.
- Temptation: Due to the plant's beauty and the contrast with its poisonous nature, it can also represent temptation and the idea that something appealing can be dangerous.
- Hope: The Helleborus is a symbol of hope because it is one of the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, signaling the approach of spring.
WaterLenten Rose 'Penny's Pink' prefers consistently moist soil but is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be approximately once a week depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the active growing season in spring and summer, you might provide about one gallon of water per plant every week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. Cut back on watering during the dormant season in winter.
LightLenten Rose 'Penny's Pink' thrives best in partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching of the leaves. A spot under a canopy of deciduous trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive filtered light is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureLenten Rose 'Penny's Pink' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. However, it performs best in cooler conditions and an ideal temperature range for thriving is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Lenten Rose 'Penny's Pink' primarily to remove old, damaged, or diseased leaves and to maintain a neat appearance. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Cutting back the older leaves at this time can also help to showcase the flowers more prominently. Pruning isn't frequently required, but an annual tidy-up helps encourage healthy growth and flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPenny's Pink, commonly known as the Lenten Rose, thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The best soil mix is one part loamy soil, one part leaf mold or compost, and one part sharp sand to ensure good drainage. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingLenten Rose, or Penny's Pink, should be repotted infrequently as they prefer to establish themselves without disturbance. Repotting is typically necessary only when the plant is outgrowing its current pot or every 3-4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPenny's Pink, also known as Lenten Rose, prefers moderate humidity levels common in outdoor garden settings. While they are tolerant of different humidity levels, they do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temperatures for best Lenten Rose growth.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade and sheltered spot for optimal Lenten Rose growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHelleborus Penny's Pink, commonly known as Lenten rose, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in spring or summer, with a preference for partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Seedlings slowly develop into young plants with a deep root system and foliage. By late winter or early spring, mature plants produce large, cup-shaped pink flowers that are often marbled with deeper pink or purple and have prominent yellow stamens. After pollination, typically by insects attracted to the flowers, the plant develops seed pods that ripen and eventually release seeds into the soil. Throughout the growing season, the evergreen leaves provide continuous ground cover and interest. In subsequent years, the plant expands through self-seeding or can be propagated by division in late spring after flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Hellebores, specifically the Helleborus x hybridus (formerly known as Helleborus orientalis), which includes the cultivar Penny's Pink, can be propagated primarily through division. The best time for this is in late winter to early spring, just as the plant is emerging from its winter dormancy. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. The plant should then be gently teased apart into smaller sections, making sure that each division has at least a couple of growth buds. These divisions can then be replanted in a suitable location, keeping the soil moist until the new plants are established. It is important to note that it might take a season or two for the divided plants to flower as vigorously as the parent plant.
