North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose

Helleborus × hybridus ‘Ruby Heart’

Plants that Work®

Deep Ruby-Red Semi-Double Blooms with Creamy-White Centers Brighten Winter Gardens
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Red, White Blooms in Early Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$50²⁸

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This Hellebore thrives in dappled shade or part sun, ideally receiving 2 to 4 hours of morning light. Too much direct afternoon sun can scorch the foliage, while deep shade may slightly reduce the number of ruby-red blooms.
Soil: It prefers rich, loamy soil that stays moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" will cause the roots to rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water twice a week to help the roots settle into their new home. Once established, the Ruby Heart is quite drought tolerant, but providing a deep soak during dry summer spells ensures the evergreen leaves stay crisp and vibrant. Inconsistent moisture during the bud-setting stage in fall can lead to fewer flowers the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Since these bloom on old wood, do not cut the plant back to the ground in fall. Instead, snip off the previous year's tattered or brown leaves in late winter just as the new flower buds emerge from the center. This "grooming" makes the flowers more visible and prevents old fungal spores from jumping onto the fresh new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft growth that can be easily damaged by the first hard frost. Think of fertilizer as a vitamin boost to help the plant recover from the energy-intensive blooming season.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red, White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Helleborus × hybridus ‘Ruby Heart’
Species	x hybridus
Cultivar	Ruby Heart
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose (Helleborus x hybridus 'Ruby Heart') is an evergreen perennial that brings bold winter drama with its large, semi-double blooms in deep ruby-red, each petal kissed with a subtle velvety sheen. At the heart of every blossom is a creamy-white center and a golden crown of stamens, creating a luminous contrast that draws the eye on even the grayest days.

These blooms are held high on sturdy stems above a mound of glossy, deep-green foliage that stays beautiful year-round. Deer and rabbit resistant, it's as tough as it is stunning! This compact gem grows 1-2 feet tall and wide, forming a tidy, rounded clump perfect for both small gardens and large drifts.

Its leathery leaves offer a strong evergreen backdrop for the jewel-toned blooms, which last for weeks in late winter to early spring and hold their color beautifully in cooler temperatures. Even after petals drop, the decorative seed heads provide extended visual interest.

Key Features

Hellebores have a rich history in European gardens, treasured for centuries as symbols of hope and renewal.

Evergreen perennial with semi-double ruby-red blooms and creamy-white centers
Long-lasting late winter to early spring flowers
Deer and rabbit resistant
Compact, clumping 1-2 foot habit
Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9

Landscaping Uses

A bold jewel-toned accent for shaded spaces, borders, and containers. It's a standout choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, and decorative winter containers, delivering elegance and resilience during a season when blooms are rare.

Woodland gardens and mixed perennial beds
Winter and early spring container arrangements
Mass plantings for a carpet of rich color
Shade gardens and borders
Cut flower gardens for early-season beauty
Pollinator gardens - Must-have nectar source for early emerging pollinators

Care & Maintenance

This cold-hardy evergreen perennial is easy to grow and long-lived. The North Star™ Ruby Heart thrives in USDA Zones 4-9, excelling in cold climates while also performing beautifully in milder areas.

Planting Time: Best planted in fall or early spring for strong root development
Sun Requirements: Partial to full shade; tolerates morning sun in cooler regions
Soil Requirements: Rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if drainage is good
Moisture Needs: Moderate; check soil with the Finger Test before watering
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch for root protection and moisture retention
Fertilization Needs: Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer; compost is beneficial
Pruning Info: Remove old foliage in late winter before blooms emerge; deadhead spent flowers for a tidy appearance
Division Info: Rarely necessary, but can be divided in early fall if needed
Special Perks/Growing Needs:

Deer and rabbit resistant
Tolerant of cold, humidity, and urban conditions

A Heart of Ruby in Winter

With its rich ruby blooms and year-round evergreen foliage, the North Star™ Ruby Heart Hellebore is a treasure for any shade garden. Order yours today and enjoy this cold-season beauty from naturehills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose suitable for?

The North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. This cold-hardy evergreen perennial thrives across a wide range of climates, from northern regions to warmer southern areas. Plant it in partial to full shade for best performance.

Does the North Star™ Ruby Heart prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

The North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose thrives in partial to full shade. This makes it perfect for woodland gardens and shaded borders where few other plants bloom in late winter. Plant it in areas that receive morning sun but are protected from harsh afternoon light for best results.

When does the North Star™ Ruby Heart bloom and what color are the flowers?

The North Star™ Ruby Heart blooms in late winter to early spring with stunning semi-double ruby-red flowers featuring creamy-white centers and golden stamens. These long-lasting blooms hold their rich color beautifully in cooler temperatures and provide rare winter interest when few other plants are flowering. Plant in shade for weeks of jewel-toned color during the dormant season.

Is the North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose deer resistant?

Yes, the North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose is deer resistant and also resists rabbit damage. This hardy perennial's tough, leathery foliage naturally deters browsing animals while providing year-round garden structure. Plant it confidently in areas where deer are a problem.

Which plants make good companions to grow alongside Lenten Roses?

Lenten Roses pair beautifully with spring ephemerals like snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils that bloom simultaneously in late winter. Hostas, ferns, and astilbe make excellent summer companions in the same shade conditions. Plant them together for year-round interest in zones 4-9, available at naturehills.com.

Will the North Star™ Ruby Heart tolerate clay soil or does it need amended soil?

Hellebores naturally tolerate clay soil better than most perennials due to their robust nature. The North Star™ Ruby Heart will grow in clay, though it performs best with some drainage improvement. Add compost to heavy clay for optimal results.

North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose

Helleborus × hybridus ‘Ruby Heart’