Great Plant Pick: Helleborus ‘Anna’s Red,’ ‘Anna’s Red’ hellebore

Published 1:30 am Saturday, March 3, 2018

What: Red-violet flowers and new bronzy green foliage marbled with vibrant pink makes “Anna’s Red” hellebore a magnificent harbinger of spring in the winter garden. As the flowers mature they deepen to a burgundy-red and the pink veins on the leathery leaves matures to a cream remaining attractive through the coming seasons. This hellebore hybrid, released in 2013, was named after British author and plantswoman Anna Pavord.

Where: Helleborus “Anna’s Red” grows best in full sun to light shade with a rich well-drained soil, but will tolerate sandy soils and clay if the drainage is adequate.

Size: This perennial evergreen grows to be 9 inches tall and 2 feet wide when mature.

Care: Water regularly until established, then occasional watering will suffice. Foliage can be pruned off in December or January to show off the blooms. Faded flowers can be cut to the ground in May.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks