The Lenten Rose ......

By any other name, would be called Hellebores. It is one of the first flowers to bloom here in the WildWoods. The buds begin to appear in February and by the time that Lent arrives, the buds will have begun to open or maybe even be in full bloom. The foliage is green year round and provides nice coverage under the trees during the winter months. Hellebores like moist but well-drained soil in light shade. They are deer resistant and can be divided quite easily.


Hellebores is believed to help summon demons in witchcraft. It is thought that Alexander the Great was poisoned using Hellebores. And it is said that the species, Hellebores Niger, aka Christmas Rose, (a white Lenten Rose that blooms closer to the Yule Season), was to have sprung from the tears of a young girl who had no gift to give to the Christ child.