perennial

Molly's White Lenten Rose

Helleborus 'Molly S White'

$79.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Hellebores, or Lenten Roses, are cherished evergreen perennials that bloom in the cold months from late winter to early spring, offering color when little else is flowering. They are known for their nodding, cup-shaped flowers and handsome, leathery foliage.

'Molly's White' is a standout cultivar from the Rodney Davey Marbled Group, featuring striking silvery-green marbled foliage and large, upward-facing, pure white flowers that age to chartreuse.

Uses & Benefits:

'Molly's White' is a premier plant for the winter and early spring garden, providing elegant white flowers when the landscape is bare. Its unique marbled foliage offers year-round interest, acting as a handsome groundcover even when not in bloom.

Being evergreen, it provides winter structure in perennial beds. Its tolerance for dry shade once established makes it a valuable problem-solver for planting under deciduous trees.

Hellebores are one of the earliest sources of nectar and pollen for emerging queen bumblebees and other hardy pollinators in late winter, providing a crucial food source when little else is available.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Very long-lived perennial

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested; sap can cause skin irritation

Bloom period

Late winter – Mid-spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$79.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with partial to full shade and rich, well-drained soil.
Incorporate generous amounts of compost or leaf mold into the planting area.
Dig a hole and plant the hellebore so the crown is just at soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, firm gently, and water well.
Mulch with shredded leaves or compost to conserve moisture.
Water regularly during the first year and during dry spells thereafter.

Pro Tip

Remove the old, tattered foliage in late winter just before the flower buds emerge to prevent leaf spot and better display the blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds.
Amend soil with organic matter for best performance.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
Cut back old foliage in late winter to showcase flowers.

Don't

Do not plant the crown too deep, which can lead to rot.
Avoid waterlogged soil; good drainage is essential.
Don't disturb the roots once established, as they resent being moved.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, sunny locations.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant woodland garden specimenEarly-season interest for shade bordersSophisticated container planting for patios

Companion Plants

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)Heuchera (Coral Bells)Ferns (e.g., Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') Galanthus (Snowdrops)Brunnera macrophylla

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Molly's White Lenten Rose questions

What zones can Molly's White Lenten Rose grow in?

Molly's White 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 Molly's White Lenten Rose deer resistant?

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

When does Molly's White Lenten Rose bloom?

Molly's White 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 Molly's White Lenten Rose need full sun?

Molly's White Lenten Rose does best in part shade.

Is Molly's White Lenten Rose drought tolerant?

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