Helleborus ballardiae 'Pink Frost'
perennial

Pink Frost Lenten Rose

Helleborus ballardiae 'Pink Frost'

$28.00
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

14 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived perennial

Native To

Garden origin

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested, skin irritant

The Story

Plant Bio

Helleborus x ballardiae is a hybrid cross (H. niger x H. lividus) known for its beautiful foliage and early, upward-facing flowers. They are tough, long-lived, evergreen perennials for the shade garden. 'Pink Frost' is celebrated for its unique foliage, which is a deep blue-green with silvery veins and held on red petioles. Its flowers emerge from pink buds, opening light pink and maturing to a rich burgundy.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides four-season interest with its striking, silver-veined evergreen foliage and long-lasting winter-to-spring blooms that change color over time. It brings sophisticated color and texture to the shade garden.
Practical UsesIts tolerance for dry shade once established makes it a problem-solver for planting under deciduous trees. The leathery leaves are unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
Ecological BenefitsAs one of the earliest plants to bloom, it provides a critical, early-season nectar source for emerging queen bumblebees and other hardy pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$28.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site in partial to full shade with rich, well-draining soil.
  2. Amend soil with compost to improve fertility and structure.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
  4. Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
  5. Ensure the crown is at or slightly above soil level to prevent rot.
  6. Water well after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

The beautiful silvery foliage is a key feature; site it where it can be appreciated year-round, such as near a path or entryway.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year.
  • Plant in soil with a neutral to alkaline pH.
  • Remove old, damaged leaves in late winter to improve appearance and air circulation.
  • Allow plants to establish; they resent being moved.

Don't

  • Do not plant in waterlogged soil, as this will cause crown rot.
  • Avoid deep cultivation around the roots.
  • Don't bury the crown of the plant when planting or mulching.
  • Refrain from dividing the plant unless absolutely necessary as they are slow to recover.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning foliage plant for year-round interestJewel of the winter woodland gardenHigh-impact container specimen for shady areas

Companion Plants

Pulmonaria Ferns Galanthus (Snowdrops) Brunnera macrophylla Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Frost Lenten Rose questions

What zones can Pink Frost Lenten Rose grow in?

Pink Frost Lenten Rose is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pink Frost Lenten Rose deer resistant?

Yes — Pink Frost Lenten Rose is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pink Frost Lenten Rose bloom?

Pink Frost Lenten Rose typically blooms in late winter through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Frost Lenten Rose need full sun?

Pink Frost Lenten Rose does best in part shade.

Is Pink Frost Lenten Rose drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Frost Lenten Rose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Pink Frost Lenten Rose with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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