Lenten Rose Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary = 'Walhero' (PBR)
![hellebore [Walberton's Rosemary]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b628b90c77.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary, also known as 'Walhero', is a captivating plant that exudes charm through its ornamental features. Its most striking characteristic are the blooms that it produces, typically during the late winter to early spring period when most other plants are still dormant. These flowers have a large, cup-like shape with overlapping petals. The color of these petals is a lush, deep pink that can also exhibit shades of rose or purplish tones depending on light exposure and age of the flower. The foliage of 'Walhero' is equally attractive, with leathery, deep green leaves that provide a year-round visual interest. The leaves exhibit a glossy surface and can sometimes have a serrated edge, adding to their textured look. These evergreen leaves form a robust and bushy habit, giving the plant a full and lush appearance. Walberton's Rosemary 'Walhero' has a graceful and elegant stature, and though we're not discussing specific dimensions, it's worth mentioning that its size makes it suitable for growing in a variety of garden settings or in containers. The overall structure of the plant is nicely rounded, and this compactness contributes to its tidy and manageable form. This plant is not only appealing to human admirers but also to wildlife; it serves as an early source of nectar for bees. Its remarkable ability to bloom during the colder months, when not much else does, makes it a valuable asset to any garden, bringing a burst of color during a typically gray part of the year.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Walberton's Rosemary Hellebore, Ivory Prince Hellebore.
Common names
Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary = 'Walhero' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Hellebores, including 'Walhero', are known to be toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant contain compounds that can be harmful to humans. If someone ingests parts of a Hellebore, they may experience symptoms such as burning of the mouth and throat, salivation, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nervous symptoms, and possibly depression of the central nervous system. It is vital to handle these plants with care, to avoid ingesting any part of the plant, and to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Hellebores, including 'Walhero', are also toxic to pets. Consumption of any part of the plant can lead to poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion can cause tremors, seizures or cardiac abnormalities. Pets should be kept away from Hellebores, and veterinary attention should be sought immediately if a pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the plant.
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
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary is known for its beautiful, rose-like flowers that add color to the garden during the late winter and early spring months.
- Long-Flowering Season: It has a prolonged flowering period compared to many other plants, providing garden interest over a longer season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant to drought, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Shade Loving: It is well-suited for shaded areas of the garden where many other flowering plants might struggle.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, helping to ensure its survival and blooms in wildlife-rich areas.
- Low Maintenance: Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary requires minimal care once established, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Evergreen Foliage: The plant maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing continued interest and ground cover even when not in bloom.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in a range of climates, which allows for cultivation in many regions without the need for winter protection.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for the pollination of plants and the health of the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary is versatile and can be used in various garden settings, including borders, woodland gardens, and containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hellebore can be used in winter wedding bouquets as it blooms in the colder months, providing a unique and seasonal floral option.
- Due to its winter bloom, the Hellebore is excellent for providing color to a winter garden when few other plants are flowering.
- The durability of Hellebore flowers makes them suitable for dried flower arrangements, maintaining their shape and color for a long time.
- With its intriguing blooms, the Hellebore is ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of flowers even in the chill of winter.
- Gardeners may plant Hellebore for companion planting with early spring bulbs, as it will provide foliage and flowers before the bulbs emerge.
- As an evergreen plant, Hellebore leaves provide year-round ground cover, helping to reduce weed growth in shaded garden areas.
- The Hellebore can be part of a natural pest control strategy, as some species are known to deter certain rodents and deer with their toxicity.
- Environmental educators can use Hellebore to demonstrate how certain plants are adapted to pollination in the cold winter months.
- Artists may use Hellebore as a subject for botanical illustration, teaching about plant structure and the beauty of seasonal blooms.
- The Hellebore could be used in fantasy-themed gardens or parts of design where a plant with a dark, almost mystical appearance is desired.
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, also known as Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, are known for their ability to bloom in the harshest conditions, often pushing through the snow to flower. They symbolize a person's ability to overcome difficult situations.
- Hope: The appearance of Hellebores flowers in late winter or early spring is often a sign that the hardships of the cold months are almost over, thus they represent hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Beauty: With their elegant form and variety of colors, hellebores signify appreciation for natural beauty, even amidst the dreariness of winter.
- Serenity: The Hellebore's quiet and composed way of blooming in the solitude of the colder season imparts a sense of tranquility and peace.
- Protection: In ancient times, hellebores were believed to have magical properties and were used to ward off evil spirits and negative influences.
WaterLenten rose 'Walhero' should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during dry spells. Water once or twice a week by slowly soaking the soil around the base until the water penetrates several inches deep, which might typically use around 1-2 gallons per plant depending on soil type and weather conditions. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water to match the plant's lower water requirements, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. It’s crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases and to not let water sit in the crown of the plant, which could cause rot.
LightLenten rose 'Walhero' thrives in partial to full shade, making it a suitable choice for garden areas that receive limited direct sunlight. The plant prefers a spot that is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun, making dappled sunlight beneath trees or on the north side of buildings an ideal location for these shade-loving perennials.
TemperatureLenten rose 'Walhero' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but grows best when the temperature is between 40°F and 80°F. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 0°F and are generally heat tolerant up to about 90°F, but it's important to provide extra water during hot spells to prevent stress.
PruningPruning the Lenten rose 'Walhero' involves removing faded or damaged flowers to encourage new growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time to prune is after flowering, which typically occurs in early spring. Trim back flower stalks to the base of the plant and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient for this variety.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHellebore, or Lenten Rose, thrives in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The ideal soil mix would contain equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and leaf mold or pine fines. Maintain a soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingLenten Roses do not need frequent repotting and can actually thrive when left undisturbed. Typically, repotting every 3 to 4 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot, is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingLenten Roses are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions. Average room humidity is usually sufficient for these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Partial shade, shelter from harsh sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleWalberton's Rosemary ('Walhero') begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant with distinctive leathery, green foliage. As the plant matures, it experiences a period of vegetative growth before initiating flower buds, often in the late winter to early spring. The buds bloom into large, bowl-shaped flowers, which can be shades of pink, white, or green, and these blossoms can last from late winter through early spring. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant will produce seed pods that mature, dry out, and eventually release seeds for the next generation. Outside of these primary growth stages, Walberton's Rosemary is a perennial plant, which will go through repeated cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy over many years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Helleborus Walberton's Rosemary, also known as the Lenten rose, is best propagated through division. This is usually done in the late spring after flowering or in early fall. The division process involves carefully removing the plant from the ground and gently separating the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least two or three growth points. These divisions should be replanted as soon as possible at the same soil depth they were growing previously and watered in well. By dividing mature plants, gardeners can ensure identical replicas of this particular cultivar, as it doesn't come true from seed due to its patent-protected (PBR) status.
