North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose

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!