There's not much to look at in high plains home gardens during the winter months, unless gardeners specifically make it happen.
I suspect most gardeners here between Denver and Boulder just put the gardens out of their minds for the winter months. But those of us who would love to see something green and alive even when it's brrrrrrrrr-cold outside work harder at it.
If you feel like I do, you need to know about Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis). Low-growing, shade-loving plants that bloom in the very early spring here between Denver and Boulder. They look great, even in January after being buring under snow multiple times.
I'm going to plant more Lenten rose in this area, so there will be a whole area of green instead of the winter brown so prevalent around here.
The blooms of Lenten Rose are quite exotic, but not always easy to see. They tend to face downward and hide under under the large leaves. If you shop around for Lenten Rose, try to find varities that have upward-facing blooms.
Hardiness zones 4-7. Don't let anyone graze on your Lenten Rose, as they are toxic (but the good news is - they're 'deer proof'!). See lots of pictures of Lenten Rose here. As with all perennial plants, try to buy from growers in a zone similar to yours.
I was perusing online articles, and found one written about Lenten Rose by a southern gardener (Grumpy Gardener - his blog is fun to read!), called Do You Know the Secret to Lenten Rose?Grumpy Gardener was told the secret to Lenten Rose is lime.
He goes on to say his Lenten Rose do fine without adding lime, but the main reason I'm mentioning this is to say that the soil here between Denver and Boulder is less acidic than most, so you shouldn't need to add lime. But if your Lenten Rose aren't doing well - and you have them planted in light shade - check the pH of your soil.
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Copyright © 2012 Joetta Fort
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