Helleborus Wedding Party® 'Whirlwind Romance'

As the last traces of snow melt away in the garden, the rich burgundy-and-white double blossoms of Helleborus Wedding Party® 'Whirlwind Romance’ herald the arrival of spring. Each beautifully patterned bloom has white petals overlaid almost entirely with burgundy veins and edging. The burgundy color suffuses the backs of the petals while a soft yellow center adds contrast. This coveted Lenten Rose is a member of the Wedding Party® series of vigorous, floriferous, double-flowering Hellebores.

These aristocrats of the woodland garden are native to Europe and western Asia. The genus Helleborus contains about 20 species of perennials that bloom in early winter in mild climates and in late winter or early spring where the soil freezes hard, which makes them either the last or the first flowers in the garden. They require a moist but well-drained site with some shade. Take care to amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as well-aged leaf mold and compost. You'll be rewarded with long-lived, deer- and vole-resistant plants that will spread nicely on their own.

For more information on growing Helleborus, click Growing Guide.