Product Description
Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' (20)ct Flat
WEDDING PARTY Series
Common Name: Lenten Rose
Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen has a passion for hellebores. 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. The WEDDING PARTY® series showcases his double flowered selections, available in numerous, beautiful color shades.
‘Wedding Bells’ bears clear white, 2-2½” double flowers.
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: White Shades, Foliage Color: Green shades, Evergreen (in some or all zones)
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Part shade to Full shade
Blooms Early Spring - Mid-spring
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is a beautiful and unique Lenten Rose that is part of the Wedding Party Series. This hybrid variety is known for its prolific blooming, often boasting an impressive number of flowers simultaneously, and its early flowering time, bringing a much-needed touch of color to the late winter or early spring garden . It is a hybrid variety known for its double white flowers that bloom heavily in early to mid-spring . The flowers are large, measuring 2–2.5 inches across, and have a hint of spring green in the center . They rise on sturdy stems and contrast well with the glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage . This makes it a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a plant that will provide interest throughout the year.
Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' grows in a bushy, upright clump, reaching a height and width of 18–24 inches . It has deep green, leathery foliage that remains evergreen throughout the year . The evergreen foliage of 'Wedding Bells' provides valuable structure and visual interest in the garden throughout the year, especially during the winter months when many other plants are dormant . The flowers are a crisp white color and have a double form, with many petals that give them a frilly appearance . They typically bloom from late winter to mid-spring, providing a welcome burst of color in the garden when few other plants are in bloom . The long-lasting blooms of 'Wedding Bells' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements or can be beautifully displayed floating in a bowl of water . A notable advantage of 'Wedding Bells' is its resistance to deer and rabbits , making it a suitable choice for gardens frequented by these animals. 'Wedding Bells' is a slow-growing perennial, so patience is key as it gradually establishes and reaches its full size.
Care Requirements One of the key advantages of 'Wedding Bells' is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, it requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those new to perennial gardening.
- Soil and Nutrition Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil . It is important to avoid soils that are prone to drying out or staying wet, as this can damage the roots . Hellebores, in general, grow best in soil that is enriched with organic matter . Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' prefers a soil pH that is close to neutral or slightly alkaline . If your soil is acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
- Light and Watering Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' performs best in evenly moist, well-drained soil in partial shade . While it prefers consistent moisture, it is drought-tolerant once established . During extended dry periods, it is important to water the plant well to prevent it from drying out.
- Pests and Diseases Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is generally free of serious pest and disease issues . However, it is important to keep an eye out for aphids, snails, and diseases such as hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death. If you notice any of these problems, you can take steps to control them, such as using insecticides or fungicides.
- Pruning Although Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is evergreen, the foliage may look tattered in early spring . You can prune back any dead or disfigured foliage before new growth appears to maintain a neat appearance. It is also a good idea to remove old flower stems when they decline, cutting them back to the basal foliage.
- Overwintering To ensure your Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' thrives through the winter, it's important to remember not to prune it back in the fall . Leaving the foliage intact provides some protection for the plant during the colder months. Additionally, consider applying a light mulch of salt marsh hay, which can help insulate the roots and maintain moisture levels.
Toxicity and Safety Precautions While Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is a beautiful addition to the garden, it is crucial to be aware of its toxicity. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, and contact with the foliage can cause skin irritation . Therefore, it is essential to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling this plant, especially during pruning or transplanting. Keep children and pets away from the plant, and if you suspect any accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.
Ideal Growing Conditions Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is hardy in USDA zones 4–9 . It prefers a sheltered site that is protected from cold winter winds . It is best to plant it in a location that receives partial to full shade, such as under deciduous trees or shrubs . The soil should be fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained . 'Wedding Bells' demonstrates adaptability to a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soil, and can even tolerate short periods of drought once established, making it a resilient choice for various garden conditions . Gardeners in Zone 4 should be aware that 'Wedding Bells' may be considered a "tender perennial" and might require extra protection during harsh winters.
Garden Uses Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is a welcome addition to shady borders, containers, under trees or large shrubs, woodland gardens, and cottage gardens . Planting it in groups can create a stunning visual impact . Besides its ornamental value, 'Wedding Bells' also serves as a valuable early nectar source for pollinators, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
Companion Planting To further enhance the beauty and ecological balance of your garden, consider companion planting Helleborus 'Wedding Bells' with other shade-loving perennials. Some excellent companions include ferns, Tiarella, Campanula, Alchemilla, Hosta, Phlox divaricata, and Pulmonaria . These pairings not only create visually appealing combinations but also provide a diverse habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
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!
