Lenten rose, Helleborus orientalis: 13 tips for care

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If you want to enjoy the magnificent flowers of the spring rose in winter, you have to look after them professionally. Because both the choice of the right location and substrate and the implementation of certain maintenance measures are decisive for this.

Location

The spring rose is relatively adaptable in terms of location, because it can be cultivated in both sunny and shady places. Full sun is only bearable for the spring rose if there is sufficient soil moisture. In the shade, however, limited growth is to be expected. However, the spring rose feels most comfortable in partial shade, such as under larger deciduous trees and bushes. In addition, the following must be taken into account with regard to the location:

  • Plants per square meter: 6 - 7
  • Plant distance approx. 40 cm
  • Spring rose grows very broad
  • Avoid close proximity to conifers, bog plants and rhododendrons

Tip: Lenrzosen can be cultivated in open spaces as well as in the perennial bed or on the edge of the wood.

Soil / substrate

So that the spring rose grows and thrives splendidly, the soil should meet certain requirements. A humus-rich clay soil that is fresh and permeable is best. If these conditions are not met, the soil can be improved accordingly. A mixture of different materials is suitable for this - depending on the floor:

  • Sandy earth: Compost, clay and a handful of horn shavings
  • Compacted soil: Sand, fine grit, compost and bark humus
  • Acid soil: Lime fertilization

Pots / tubs

The spring rose is less suitable as a houseplant, but it can certainly be cultivated in a tub and placed outdoors. However, it is essential to take into account that the plants take up a lot of space over time, despite their slow growth. For this reason, it pays to rejuvenate the plant every two to three years. In addition, the following must be observed when cultivating in the bucket:

  • Thick-walled vessel offers protection from frost
  • Additional frost protection is recommended
  • Wrap the bucket with bubble wrap or garden fleece
  • Substrate: Potting soil or potted plant soil with a low proportion of peat

Overwinter

The spring rose is hardy and can withstand temperatures of down to -28 degrees Celsius without any problems. For this reason, it basically does not need winter protection. However, it still makes sense to cover the perennial with a layer of mulch, as this makes it easier for it to sprout. In the case of young plants, however, frost protection is recommended, because otherwise thick blankets of snow can be their undoing.

Multiplication

The spring rose can be propagated in two ways: on the one hand by sowing and on the other by dividing it.

division

The division is generally more recommended because it is quick and promising. In the case of smaller specimens, the rhizome is simply carefully divided with a knife. Sharing larger spring roses is a little more laborious:

  • Tie the stem and leaves together with a ribbon
  • This reduces the risk of injury
  • Cut off the largest possible root ball
  • Pierce two pitchforks in the middle of the root ball
  • This ruptures the rhizome

To prevent the roots from drying out, the sections should be planted immediately. In addition, it is advisable to pour this thoroughly afterwards, so that the rhizome is moistened about 10 to 15 centimeters deep.

sowing

Sowing the spring rose is quite possible, but it requires a long line of patience. After all, it can take around three to five years for the first bloom. If you still want to try sowing, all you need is the seeds, some potting soil and suitable planters. The sowing itself takes place in two phases:

  • Fill planters with substrate
  • Put seeds in soil and press lightly
  • Do not cover seeds with soil
  • Cover the vessel with transparent foil
  • Place in a partially shaded place
  • Around 6 weeks at around 22 - 24 degrees Celsius
  • Keep the substrate moist during this time

After the first phase, it is important that the seedlings are exposed to a cold stimulus. For this reason, they should then be cared for for about four weeks at about -4 to +4 degrees Celsius. After that, the temperature can be increased gradually, whereby it should not rise above 10 degrees until the end. As soon as the young plants have at least two pairs of leaves, they can be pricked out and hardened before they take their permanent place in the open air.

Planting

The spring rose is best planted in the spring after flowering. For freshly planted specimens, it is advisable to remove all flower stems. Because with this care measure the plants take root faster and grow stronger in the following year. When planting, make sure that the planting hole is about twice as large as the root ball. So that the plants have a good start, the soil should be loosened well and covered with a layer of mulch.

Lenten rose - spring rose - Helleborus orientalis

Fertilize

Lenrzosen are poor eaters, which is why they only have to be fertilized a little. Liquid fertilizers should therefore be avoided if possible. Instead, it is advisable to use slow release fertilizers that release their nutrients slowly and over a longer period of time. For the spring roses, it is recommended, among other things, to compost the soil

to improve. In addition, it is worth adding a layer of mulch for the following reasons:
  • Earth remains sufficiently moist
  • Weeds are kept away
  • Rotting material releases nutrients

Tip: As a mulch layer, brushwood, bark mulch or withered leaves are suitable, among other things.

to water

When it comes to watering, the following applies to the spring rose: Better dry than damp! Because especially in summer, the plant proves that it can cope well with drought temporarily. However, dry periods that are too long are not recommended, as this has a negative effect on the flower set. For this reason, it is advisable to keep the spring rose substrate evenly moist. In addition, the following must be taken into account when pouring:

  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Water as soon as the top soil layer has dried
  • Testing with a finger sample

Note: Particularly in the first half of the year during growth, regular and even watering must be ensured!

Repotting / transplanting

Transplanting the spring rose is generally less advisable because it forms a very strong rootstock. As it gets older, it extends deeper into the soil and can be easily damaged when transplanted. Injuries to the roots go hand in hand with impaired growth at the new location, which is why the spring rose should preferably remain in its original place.

Cut

Regular cutting of the spring rose is not necessary, but it can be cut back if necessary in autumn or before flowering. On the other hand, regular care measures include removing wilted or diseased leaves. When working on the plant, however, it is important to remember that there is a very high level of toxins in the plant sap. For this reason, the following should always be taken into account when cutting measures:

  • It is essential to wear gloves!
  • Do not dispose of clippings on compost
  • Keep pets away from plants

Pests and diseases

The spring rose is relatively insensitive to plant diseases, because only black spot disease occurs more frequently. It is also not often visited by pests - with the exception of aphids. However, these can simply be rinsed off with a jet of water. In the case of severe infestation, it is also worth treating with a detergent solution.

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