Helleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Bennotta

Helleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Bennotta: Deep Maroon Blooms That Beat the Tulips

'Bennotta' is rich maroon red with pale yellow stamens, like a velvet armchair in a members-only club. The rest of the garden is still asleep. THIS ONE ALREADY ORDERED THE CHARCUTERIE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Helleborus hybrid
• Common Name: Lenten Rose, Hellebore
• Series: HGC® Ice N' Roses®
• Height: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
• Spread: 30–50 cm (12–20 in)
• Flowers: Single, outward-facing, rich maroon red, about 5–6 cm (2 in) across, with pale yellow stamens
• Bloom Time: Late winter to spring (March to May)
• Foliage: Deep green, leathery and evergreen, forming a compact clump
• Features: Long-lasting flowers, sold under cultivar code 'Coseh 6600'

Where to Plant: Use it in a woodland garden, a shady border, under deciduous trees or along a path you walk every day in early spring. The dark red looks richest where low sun can shine through the petals, and some morning sun is ideal.

Companion Plants: Plant Bennotta in a moist, shady bed where its maroon flowers lead into pink bells and big leaves. Heuchera 'Berry Timeless' adds light pink bells at 20 to 25 cm from June to October. Hosta Shadowland® Giant 'Gigantosaurus' brings huge grey-green leaves at 76 to 81 cm. Cimicifuga 'Hillside Black Beauty' rises behind at 150 to 175 cm with dark leaves and fragrant white spikes in August and September. Chasmanthium latifolium adds bamboo-like leaves at 60 to 120 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in humus-rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil suits it well. Dappled shade or a spot with a few hours of direct sun is ideal. Water through dry spells, since hellebores dislike drought. Wear gloves, as all parts are toxic if eaten. In early spring, before the flowers open, cut off last year's worn leaves at the base. A light feeding in spring helps flowering. In zone 5 gardens, a loose leaf mulch or good snow cover protects the evergreen leaves. Established hellebores resent being moved, so pick a spot you're happy with and let it settle.

History: The Ice N' Roses® hellebores were bred in Germany by Josef Heuger's nursery and are sold under the HGC® label. They're crosses of Helleborus × ericsmithii or H. × ballardiae with H. × hybridus, a group named Helleborus × glandorfensis after Heuger's hometown, Glandorf.

Final Thoughts: Tuck a few under the trees and enjoy the private show while the snow lingers. Deer don't have a membership. EXCLUSIVE, BUT YOU'RE ON THE LIST.