Product Description
Helleborus 'Spanish Flare' (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.
'Spanish Flare' bears 3", single light-yellow flowers with maroon, red flares concentrated around the nectaries. A novel color pattern for Lenten Rose.
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: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Multicolored
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Spring - Mid Spring
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Helleborus 'Spanish Flare' is a captivating patented variety of Lenten rose that belongs to the Honeymoon series, developed by hybridizer Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens. This series is known for its vigorous, single-flowered selections with abundant blooms in a wide array of colors. 'Spanish Flare' distinguishes itself with its unique color pattern—large, single, 3-inch, light yellow flowers adorned with striking maroon-red flares around the center. This vibrant accent and novel color pattern make it a standout in any shade garden. Interestingly, it is a hybrid.
'Spanish Flare' is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. It has glossy pointy compound leaves that remain green throughout the year, providing year-round interest. It typically grows to a height of 18-24 inches with a similar spread, forming wider clumps over time. The flowers bloom early in the season, generally from February/March to April/May, depending on the USDA hardiness zone. As the flowers mature, they gradually fade to a greenish hue.
This variety is known for its incredible vigor, flower performance, and ease of growth. It is also tolerant to black walnuts, making it a suitable choice for gardens with walnut trees nearby. It is salt tolerant as well. 'Spanish Flare' is also known as Lenten Rose and Winter Rose. It is part of the Honeymoon Series and a brand of Walters Gardens. This captivating plant has showy nodding yellow cup-shaped flowers with a burgundy flare at the ends of the stems from late winter to early spring. In addition to its beauty in the garden, 'Spanish Flare' can also be used in cut flower bouquets. It is long-blooming and dry shade tolerant. It is also shade tolerant.
One of the HONEYMOON® Series from Walters Gardens' hybridizer Hans Hansen, 'Spanish Flare' originated from Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizer Hans Hansen.
Care Requirements Helleborus 'Spanish Flare' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It prefers partial shade to full shade and well-drained soil. While it prefers moist soil, it can tolerate short periods of drought once established. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture to establish, then is carefree. It prefers alkaline or neutral soil.
To ensure optimal growth and flowering, it is recommended to trim back the old foliage in spring. Spent flower heads can be cut back to promote new foliage growth or to prevent unwanted volunteer seedlings. Mulching heavily in the fall can encourage the growth of new seedlings. It does not require deadheading. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
It prefers cool temperatures and shaded conditions. It benefits from regular iron applications, which helps keep the foliage green and prevents chlorosis. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. It is best planted 18-24" apart.
It should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It can be overwintered in a coldframe with white poly. Be sure to vent as needed to avoid an early warming period. Bait for rodents and avoid overly wet conditions from condensation. As temperatures rise above 35° F, begin to space the crop. Push pots together tightly during the summer to keep roots cool. Reflective aluminum shade cloth works well to keep the crop cool in the summer.
While in the garden, Hellebores might prefer an alkaline soil, but juvenile plants in a production environment benefit from a lower pH. For best flower performance, force at 45-55 degrees.
Toxicity: All parts of Hellebore plants are poisonous to both humans and pets and should not be ingested. Handle the plant with care, wearing gloves and other protective equipment, and keep it away from children and pets.
Growth Habits 'Spanish Flare' grows in a bushy, upright clump. It is a slow-growing plant that can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. It puts on most of its growth in early spring and then again in fall.
This hellebore is deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for gardens prone to these visitors. It also attracts pollinators such as honeybees and possibly some native bees and flies, but it does not attract hummingbirds. It provides valuable nectar for early pollinators. It has no significant negative characteristics.
It is best planted in groups for visual impact. It can be planted in containers, under trees or large shrubs, in woodland gardens, or cottage gardens. It is ideal for mass planting or rock/alpine gardens. It can also be used for border edging or in naturalized and woodland gardens. It does not require facer plants in front. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
Many plantlets will form around the base of the parent plant and will bloom around the third year if left alone. Division is generally not needed (or recommended) but can be performed in early spring if desired. Young side plantlets with roots can be removed and replanted. Water well after replanting.
'Spanish Flare' is best planted in half shade, dappled shade, woodland edge gardens, shade gardens, shade slopes, underplanting shrubs and trees. It meets in bloom and goes well with many spring bulbs and spring ephemerals. It looks well with fine structures like grassy leaves. It is ideal for containers, borders, or cut flower bouquets. It is a good companion plant for a variety of other plants, such as Carex, Hakonechloa, Hosta, Iris cristata, Tradescantia, Amsonia, Alchemilla, Anemone hupehensis, Aquilegia, Asarum, Aster divaricatus, Brunnera, Chelone lyonii, Dicentra, Disporum, Epimedium, Gallium odoratum, Geraniums, Heuchera, Heucherella, Geum, Lysimachia, Mellittis, Mukdenia, Nepeta subsessillis, Penstemon digitalis, Penstemon calycosus, Phlox carolina, Phlox divaricata, Phlox stolonifera, Phlox bifida, Podophyllum, Polemonium, Polygonatum, Primula, Pulmonaria, Sedum ternatum, Stachys officinalis hybrids, Stylophorum, Tiarella, Tricyrtis, Uvularia, Viola, and Waldsteinia. It can be floated in clear bowls for an elegant centerpiece.
Helleborus must be mature to achieve consistent flowering. After the first season, expect 10-15% to flower. After the second season, more consistent flowering will appear.
Different Varieties of Helleborus The Helleborus genus encompasses a diverse range of species and hybrids, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most notable types include:
| Variety | Characteristics |
| Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore) | Evergreen with light green leaves and flowers, displayed on stalks. Leaves are divided into three leaflets that are toothed in texture with spiny margins. Provides lots of winter interest. |
| Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore) | Evergreen with dark green leaves with 5 to 13 narrow leaflets and light green to red-tinted flowers. Flowers are erect with conspicuous leafy bracts. Very hardy and a good garden plant once established. Has a pungent odor when crushed. |
| Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) | Winter to spring flowering, evergreen with dark green, leathery leaves divided into 7 to 9 leaflets. Flowers have pinkish buds opening to white with a green center. |
| Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) | Semi-evergreen with coarsely serrated leaves and a wide variety of flower colors, often with spotting. Commonly hybridized with other species to form Helleborus x hybridus. |
| Helleborus x hybridus | Largely a hybrid of Helleborus orientalis and another species. Most varieties are variable and represent selected seedling material with an eye towards different flower colors. Typical flower colors include white, pink, rose, reddish-purple, deep purple and even black. |
| Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' | A hybrid of two other hybrids, 'x nigercors' and 'x ericsmithii'. Noteworthy are its upright blooming cream and pink colored flowers, as well as its light-green serrated leaves with red stems. |
| Helleborus lividus | Lead colored, bluish. |
| Helleborus viridis | Green. |
| Stinking Hellebore | Green, commonly red rim. |
Symbolism and Meaning of Helleborus Hellebores have a long history of cultivation, dating back centuries. They are often associated with folklore and symbolism, with meanings ranging from protection and warding off evil to rebirth and new beginnings. In modern traditions, they are often associated with serenity, peace, and tranquility. However, in Victorian times, they symbolized delirium, and some cultures still associate them with stress, anxiety, and scandal. Hellebore flowers symbolize hope, serenity, and new beginnings, making them popular in winter gardens. Their subtle beauty and diverse colors add intrigue to any landscape.
The color of the hellebore flower also carries symbolic meaning:
- White: Purity, innocence, sympathy
- Red: Love, passion
- Pink: Affection, femininity, gentleness
- Green: Good fortune, prosperity, health, rebirth
- Yellow: Joy, friendship
Helleborus 'Spanish Flare' is a delightful and versatile addition to any shade garden. Its unique combination of light yellow flowers with maroon-red flares makes it a standout plant that is sure to capture attention. As one of the earliest perennials to bloom, it brings a welcome burst of color to the garden at the end of winter. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, while its low-maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Spanish Flare' also holds symbolic meaning, representing serenity, peace, and new beginnings. This adds a layer of depth and intrigue to this already captivating plant.
Whether you are looking to brighten a shady border, add a touch of elegance to a woodland garden, or create a stunning centerpiece with cut flowers, Helleborus 'Spanish Flare' is an excellent choice. Consider adding this captivating plant to your garden and enjoy its beauty and symbolism for years to come.
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!
