Images Depict Mature Plants
Colorful, Evergreen Winter Blooms for Shade and Woodland Gardens
A Royal Mix of Late-Winter Color
Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’ is a stunning strain of Lenten Roses known for its wide range of bloom colors—from deep plum and burgundy to soft pink, cream, and green. Flowers appear in late winter and continue into spring, bringing jewel-like tones to otherwise sleepy gardens. Even as snow melts, the blooms stand tall, nodding gracefully above evergreen foliage.
Evergreen Foliage and Durable Growth
Growing 15 to 18 inches tall and forming dense clumps, ‘Royal Heritage’ provides year-round texture with its leathery, dark green leaves. It thrives in partial to full shade, holding up beautifully in woodland gardens, under trees, or near foundations. Its long-lasting blooms mature to soft, antique shades, adding elegance well beyond the flowering season.
Tough, Deer-Resistant, and Low-Maintenance
This hellebore is as hardy as it is beautiful. It thrives in well-drained soil, tolerates cold winters, and is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and nearly pest-free—perfect for gardeners seeking dependable color without extra care.
A Must-Have for Four-Season Shade Gardens
‘Royal Heritage’ is an essential perennial for shade gardeners. Its evergreen foliage anchors the landscape through every season, while its early blooms attract pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Pair it with hostas, ferns, or heucheras for layered texture and timeless beauty.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 12 to 18 inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 to 24 inches |
| Sunlight: | Partial to Full Shade |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; consistent moisture preferred |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil |
| Bloom Time / Color | Late Winter to Spring / Mixed Colors (pink, plum, cream, green) |
| Resistance | Deer- and rabbit-resistant |
| Wildlife Value | Provides early-season nectar for pollinators |
| Landscape Uses | Shade gardens, woodland borders, containers, foundations |
How to Care for Helleborus Royal Heritage
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage' plant for years to come!
How should I plant Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’?
Select a shaded to partially shaded area with moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, then set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill and water deeply to settle the roots. Space plants about 18 inches apart to allow for mature spread and airflow. Apply mulch to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperature, but keep it off the crown to prevent rot.
How often should I water Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’ after planting?
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, Royal Heritage requires only occasional watering during dry spells. Mulching with leaf mold or compost will conserve soil moisture and provide slow-release nutrients throughout the growing season.
When should I fertilize Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’?
Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to encourage flowering and healthy evergreen growth. An annual top-dressing of compost in late summer helps sustain soil health and supports continuous vigor without the need for heavy feeding.
When and how should I prune Helleborus ‘Royal Heritage’?
Cut back old or tattered leaves in late winter before flower buds open to reveal the fresh blooms. After flowering, remove spent stems to tidy the plant and encourage new growth. Avoid cutting new leaves in spring or summer—these sustain the plant through the year. Routine cleanup helps prevent leaf spot and keeps the plant looking neat.