Product Description
Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' (20)ct Flat
HONEYMOON® Series
Common Name: Lenten Rose
Try the lovely single-flowered selections of the HONEYMOON® Series from Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with notable vigor, showy floral displays with large numbers of blossoms per plant, and rich flower colors.
'Rio Carnival' bears 2½-3”, single light-yellow flowers with heavy burgundy red speckling.
Hellebores are the harbingers of spring, blooming for six weeks or more beginning in late winter. They are often flowering during the Christian season of Lent, from which they get their common name, Lenten Rose. This is the perfect plant for naturalizing in moist, woodland areas where its extensive root system will spread as far as it is allowed.
Hellebores are enjoyable to grow because they are low-maintenance and disease/pest-free. Simply trim back last year's foliage in the spring. They can adapt to almost any growing conditions. Though they prefer rich, moist, organic soil, they will also grow in sandy or clay soil. They can even tolerate short periods of drought. The soil pH can range anywhere from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Hellebores are shade plants that need to be protected from the hot afternoon sun. They will grow in full shade under large deciduous trees as long as they receive full sun from winter to spring before the trees get their leaves.
To increase the number of hellebores in your garden, mulch them heavily in the fall. The new seedlings will grow in this mulch come spring and can then be transplanted elsewhere in the garden.
WARNING: Hellebores are poisonous. Do not consume any part of the plant!
Height: 18-24 Inches, Spread: 18-24 Inches
Flower Color: Multicolored, Foliage Color: Green shades, Evergreen (in some or all zones)
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Part shade to Full shade
Blooms Early Spring - Mid-spring
Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' is a captivating Lenten Rose cultivar celebrated for its unique single blooms that bring a vibrant splash of color to the garden in late winter and early spring. This variety is part of the HONEYMOON® Series, developed by renowned hybridizer Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens, known for selecting hellebores with exceptional vigor, abundant blooms, and rich flower colors.
Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' distinguishes itself with its large, single, 3-3.5” flowers that emerge in shades of soft yellow, heavily speckled with burgundy red. These nodding beauties rise on sturdy stems above glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage, providing year-round interest in the garden. The plant typically grows in a bushy, upright clump, reaching 18-24 inches in height and width. It is a slow-growing perennial with an expected lifespan of approximately 5 years.
The flowers typically bloom from February/March to April/May, depending on the specific hardiness zone. As the blooms mature, they gradually fade to a greenish hue, adding another dimension of visual interest to the garden.
'Rio Carnival' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It exhibits tolerance to black walnuts, a unique characteristic that makes it a suitable choice for gardens with walnut trees nearby.
Wildlife Benefits Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' is not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable resource for early pollinators. Honeybees, and possibly some native bees and flies, are attracted to its nectar-rich blooms, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.
Care Requirements This low-maintenance perennial thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. While it prefers consistent moisture, it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. It is important to avoid planting it in locations prone to waterlogging. Here are some key care tips for Helleborus 'Rio Carnival':
- Pruning: Trim back old foliage in the spring to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back spent flower heads to promote new foliage growth or prevent unwanted seedlings.
- Division: Although not generally required, Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' can be divided in early spring if desired. Remove young side plantlets with roots and replant them, ensuring they are well-watered.
- Mulching: To encourage self-seeding and increase the number of hellebores in your garden, apply a thick layer of mulch in the fall.
Toxicity and Safety Precautions While Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' is deer resistant, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are poisonous to both humans and pets. Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant and to keep it out of reach of children and animals.
Companion Plants Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' pairs beautifully with a variety of shade-loving companions. Here are some suggestions for creating stunning combinations:
- Ferns: The delicate textures of ferns like Athyrium 'Pictum' (Painted Lady Fern) and Dryopteris 'Brilliance' (Autumn Fern) provide a lovely contrast to the bold blooms of 'Rio Carnival'.
- Grasses and Sedges: Incorporate grasses and sedges like Carex 'Evergold' (Japanese Sedge) or Carex 'Everillo' to add architectural interest and contrasting foliage colors.
- Flowering Perennials: Combine 'Rio Carnival' with other shade-loving flowering perennials such as Dicentra 'Gold Heart' (Bleeding Heart), Pulmonaria 'Pretty in Pink' (Lungwort), or Heucherella 'Eye Spy' (Foamy Bells) for a succession of blooms throughout the spring.
- Spring Bulbs: Plant 'Rio Carnival' alongside spring bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, muscari (Grape Hyacinth), and daffodils for an early burst of color.
- Woodland Companions: Create a naturalistic woodland setting by combining 'Rio Carnival' with other shade lovers such as phlox, trillium, arum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), mini iris, and woodland phlox.
Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' is a truly exceptional Lenten Rose that deserves a place in every shade garden. Its unique single blooms, with their soft yellow petals and striking burgundy speckles, emerge early in the season, bringing a welcome touch of color to the landscape. The plant's attractive evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, while its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it a joy to grow.
To ensure 'Rio Carnival' thrives in your garden, provide it with partial to full shade, fertile, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. Trim back old foliage in the spring and consider mulching in the fall to encourage self-seeding. Remember to take necessary precautions due to the plant's toxicity.
With its captivating beauty and adaptability, Helleborus 'Rio Carnival' can be incorporated into various garden settings. Plant it in masses for a dramatic display, use it as an edging plant along walkways, or combine it with other shade-loving companions to create a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, 'Rio Carnival' is sure to become a cherished addition to your garden.
Twenty (20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
