Helleborus 'Ice N Roses Merlot'

Helleborus 'Ice N Roses Merlot': A Bold Bloom for the Winter Stage
Velvety, deep, and dramatic, Helleborus 'Ice N Roses Merlot' brings rich colour and exceptional garden presence to the quiet months of late winter and early spring. Part of the vigorous Ice N Roses® series, this standout variety features large, outward-facing blooms in a lush, wine-red tone—like merlot in flower form. With its robust growth, long bloom period, and evergreen foliage, Merlot offers a show-stopping performance in shady borders and winter displays.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 40–60 cm, forming a full, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep merlot red with a velvety finish and golden stamens
• Flowering Period: Late winter to mid-spring
• Foliage: Dark green, leathery, evergreen leaves with a strong, upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; thrives in neutral to alkaline soils and tolerates clay when well-drained

Uses and Benefits: Ice N Roses Merlot is a bold presence in the winter garden, providing months of colour and structure. Its vivid, outward-facing flowers are highly visible, even in low light, and stand up well to frost and rain. Perfect for borders, shaded foundation plantings, winter containers, and woodland gardens, it also attracts early-season pollinators and performs reliably in a wide range of conditions. Strong stems make it excellent for cutting as well.

Companion Plants: Pair Merlot with Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls', whose silvery foliage with deep veining mirrors the rich tones of Merlot while adding elegant contrast. Add Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts', whose bold, heart-shaped leaves and icy silver colour provide a cooling foil to the hellebore’s warmth. Finish with Polystichum 'Tassel Fern', whose graceful, arching fronds frame the scene and echo the woodland aesthetic.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment. Remove old foliage in late winter to make room for emerging blooms and to keep the display fresh. Mulch annually with compost or leaf mold to enrich the soil and conserve moisture. These hellebores are long-lived and rarely need division, but clumps may be split in early spring if necessary.

History: Bred in Germany by Heuger Helleborus, the Ice N Roses® series combines the hardiness and floriferous nature of Helleborus niger with the diversity of H. x hybridus, resulting in long-blooming, upright, and vigorous selections. 'Merlot' is prized for its deeply saturated flower colour, garden reliability, and exceptional bloom visibility—even in the darkest months.

Final Thoughts: With its velvety petals and rich wine hue, Helleborus 'Ice N Roses Merlot' adds depth and drama to the winter garden. Hardy, floriferous, and irresistibly bold, it’s a must-have for gardeners who crave colour in the off-season—and a true jewel in the shady border. A winter indulgence worth savouring.