Frostkiss® Elemental® Lenten Rose

Meet one of Ma Nature's most charming early risers—Frostkiss® Elemental® Lenten Rose PPAF (Helleborus x 'Elemental'), a hybrid Hellebore that brings color and elegance to the winter-weary landscape. As part of the Frostkiss® series, this stunner features speckled, silvery-green foliage and late winter to early spring blooms that hover like magical bells over handsome evergreen leaves. Each bloom is a nodding, cup-like flower in shades of dusky plum to smoky pink, often brushed with chartreuse undertones and a cluster of cheerful yellow stamens!

It's not only deer and rabbit-resistant but also tough as nails, blooming when little else dares to—often in February or March! Known as the Christmas Rose, Hellebore, or Lenten Rose, it is native to Europe and has long been associated with folklore, symbolizing serenity, hope, and the end of winter's grip.

Its evergreen leaves are deeply serrated, marbled with silver, and form a low clump that stays tidy year-round. This perennial remains compact, around 12–18 inches tall and wide, making it ideal for containers, shady borders, and woodland gardens. Plus, it boasts a clumping habit, meaning it spreads slowly and doesn't overrun your garden!

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Key Features

• Pretty cup-like dusty purple to smokey pink nodding blooms
• Bred to tolerate hotter climates
• Blooms in late winter to early spring
• Deer and rabbit-resistant
• Evergreen, marbled foliage with silver veining
• Compact size: 12–18 inches tall and wide
• Thrives in shade and partial shade
• Hybrid vigor makes it heat and humidity-tolerant

Landscaping Uses

This tidy, low-growing herbaceous perennial reaches about 18 inches tall and wide, creating a graceful mound perfect for early season color.

• Great for shady borders and woodland gardens
• Adds winter interest to containers near entryways
• Works beautifully under deciduous trees
• Makes a lovely groundcover when planted en masse
• Feeds early emerging pollinators vital nectar and pollen
• Cottage Gardens, wildflower beds, Cutting Gardens, and Bulb garden borders
• Ideal for mixed perennial beds in shade gardens

Care and Maintenance

As a member of the Ranunculaceae family (think Buttercups!), this herbaceous perennial thrives in USDA Zones 5–9, loving partial to full shade and well-drained soils. With hybrid vigor from its parentage, this variety is more adaptable to heat and humidity, perfect for gardeners in milder zones who crave color through the cold months!

Frostkiss® Elemental® is an evergreen perennial (in mild winter climates) that's low-maintenance, shade-loving, and tolerant of winter's worst. It's best known for blooming before spring's curtain call and handling both humidity and drought once established.

Read our Garden Blog for complete Hellebore care here!

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich organic soil; tolerates clay if not soggy
• Moisture Needs: Average to low once established
• Mulch/Arborist Mulch: A 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch or composted leaves keeps roots cool and retains moisture
• Fertilization Needs: Apply compost in spring or a slow-release balanced fertilizer
• Pruning Info: Remove any tattered leaves in late winter before new blooms appear; deadheading is optional
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:
• Resistant to deer, rabbits, and most pests
• Handles humidity and light drought once established
• Cold-hardy and heat tolerant in Zones 5–9 - evergreen in mild winters
• Excellent in urban settings and woodland-style gardens
• Division Info: Divide every 4–5 years if clumps become too crowded

A Heavenly Rose That Blooms Despite Winter

With blooms as pretty as a painting and a tolerance for the toughest of conditions, Frostkiss® Elemental® Lenten Rose is a must-have for shade gardeners. It pushes up cheerful flowers while snow still lingers and keeps your garden interesting when most plants are dormant.

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the appropriate planting time for your growing zone. Don't leave your garden blooming-less come winter's end!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Frostkiss® Elemental® Lenten Rose evergreen?
Yes, it's evergreen in Zones 5–9, holding its beautiful silver-marbled foliage year-round.

Do I need to deadhead Lenten Roses?
It's not necessary, but you can remove spent flowers for tidiness. Removing old leaves in late winter helps fresh growth shine.

Can I grow Frostkiss® Lenten Roses in containers?
Absolutely! Their compact form makes them ideal for shady patio pots or entryway planters.

Are Lenten Roses toxic to pets?
Yes, like many members of the Ranunculus family, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Keep away from curious pets.

Will it survive snow and frost?
Yes! This is one of the few perennials that blooms in cold weather and even pushes up through light snow.