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North Star™ Ruby Heart Lenten Rose

Helleborus × hybridus ‘Ruby Heart’

$4126
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Plant Sentry™
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Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

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Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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

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Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, and Non-invasive

Specifications
  • Botanical Name
    Helleborus × hybridus ‘Ruby Heart’
  • Height
    1-2 ft
  • Width
    1-2 ft
  • Growing Zones
    4-9
  • Sunlight
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Red
    • White
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care Instructions

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.

Growing Zones 4-9

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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.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

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.

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!

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