A Comprehensive Guide to Double Hellebore Varieties for Your Late Winter Garden

Are you looking to add some vibrant colors and beautiful blooms to your late winter garden? If so, you might want to consider planting double hellebores. These stunning flowers belong to the Helleborus genus and are part of the Ranunculaceae family. With around 20 species to choose from, hellebores are the perfect choice for home gardeners who want to add some color and beauty to their outdoor spaces.

In this article, we will introduce you to 11 outstanding double hellebore cultivars that are perfect for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking to add some new plants to your garden, these varieties are sure to impress.

What Makes Double Hellebores Special

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Before we dive into the details of each double hellebore variety, let’s take a moment to explore what makes these flowers so special. Unlike their single counterparts, double hellebores have multiple rows of petals that replace a portion of the nectary, resulting in a more robust bloom. These double blooms come in a wide range of colors, from green and white to pink, purple, red, and even black. Some varieties also feature attractive picotee coloring, with contrasting edges and veins that add visual interest to the flowers.

Thanks to advancements in propagation techniques like division and tissue culture, double hellebores are now widely available to home gardeners. You can choose from cultivars with one or multiple rows of inner petals, with semi-double and fully double varieties available to suit your preferences.

11 Double Hellebore Varieties to Choose From

When it comes to shopping for double hellebores, you’ll find a wide range of series, each featuring unique flower qualities and color choices. Whether you prefer soft pastels or vibrant hues, there’s a double hellebore variety to suit your taste. Here are 11 of our favorite H. x hybridus cultivars that you can add to your garden this season:

1. Blushing Bridesmaid

Description: A creation by hybridizer Hans Hansen, this variety features two to two-and-a-half-inch white blooms with dark raspberry-pink picotee edging.
Height: 18-24 inches tall
Width: 24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

2. Confetti Cake

Description: Part of the Wedding Party™ series by Hans Hansen, this variety boasts two-and-a-half to three-inch flowers with pale green centers and white petals accented by burgundy speckles.
Height: 18-24 inches
Width: 24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

3. Cotton Candy

Description: A Winter Jewels® series variety developed by Marietta and Ernie O’Byrne, ‘Cotton Candy’ features pale pink to cotton-candy pink blossoms with picotee edging and veining.
Height: 12-14 inches
Width: 24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Perennial Farm Marketplace via Amazon

4. Fire and Ice

Description: Another Winter Jewels® series beauty, this variety sports crisp white blossoms measuring three to four inches across with reddish-pink picotee edges.
Height: 18-22 inches
Width: 24 inches

5. First Dance

Description: A selection from the Wedding Party™ series, ‘First Dance’ features extra-large yellow flowers with maroon edging and veining.
Height: 18-24 inches
Width: 24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

6. Florence Picotee

Description: This variety has warm white blossoms with magenta picotee edging and veins.
Height: 12-18 inches
Width: 16-24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

7. Jade Tiger

Description: A Winter Jewels® series selection, ‘Jade Tiger’ sports chartreuse blossoms with maroon accents.
Height: 12-18 inches
Width: 18-24 inches

8. Kingston Cardinal

Description: Developed by horticulturist Daniel Hinckley, ‘Kingston Cardinal’ features deep raspberry-red flowers.
Height: 22-26 inches
Width: 22-26 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

9. Peppermint Ice

Description: A Winter Jewels® series selection, ‘Peppermint Ice’ has soft pink blossoms with fuchsia picotee edging and veining.
Height: 12-18 inches
Width: 20-24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

10. Phoebe

Description: Resembles a tissue paper rose, with blush to bright pink colors and frilly inner petals.
Height: 18-24 inches
Width: 18-24 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

11. Stained Glass

Description: This variety features reddish-purple veining and picotee edging for a striking look.
Height: 18 inches
Width: 22-26 inches
Where to Buy: Available at Burpee

Enhancing Your Garden with Double Hellebores

With their vibrant colors and robust blooms, double hellebores are the perfect addition to any garden. These versatile flowers can be mixed and matched with other late winter and early spring blooms like crocuses, daffodils, grape hyacinths, and snowdrops to create a stunning landscape design.

Have you added double hellebores to your garden? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more tips on growing hellebores, be sure to check out these helpful guides:

How to Collect Hellebore Seeds for Plant Propagation
How to Divide and Transplant Hellebores
How to Grow Hellebores, the Winter-to-Spring Sensation

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner just starting out, double hellebores are a fantastic choice for adding color and beauty to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try this season?

Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your plant selections. With a little bit of care and attention, you can transform your garden into a vibrant and welcoming oasis that you’ll love to spend time in.

So go ahead, pick your favorite double hellebore varieties, and start planning your late winter garden makeover today. Happy gardening!