Helleborus

Helleborus, the Lenten roses and Christmas roses, are among the most valued and cultivated shade perennials in Martha's Vineyard's estate garden tradition, producing remarkably refined nodding flowers from late February through April in shades of cream, blush, mauve, burgundy, and near-black that mark the very beginning of the island's garden season. They thrive in the humus-rich, well-drained, partially shaded conditions found beneath deciduous trees and in the sheltered north-facing borders of properties throughout Edgartown and West Tisbury, and their semi-evergreen foliage provides structure and coverage through the entire year. The island's mild maritime winters allow hellebore foliage to remain in acceptable condition longer than in colder climates, extending their season of contribution significantly.

Deer universally avoid them due to their toxicity. Estate Care professionals cut old hellebore foliage to the ground in February before new flower stalks emerge to display the bloom cleanly, and they apply a light top-dressing of compost annually to maintain the rich soil conditions that hellebores reward with their best performance.