New Arrival

I found this just on the verge of blooming on March 2 in our Woodland garden at the Hancock County Purdue Extension office grounds.   It’s common name is Lenten Rose, a member of the Hellabore family.  These plants bloom very early in the season, hence the common name.  The flowers come in a variety of colors (white, pink, lavender, green, and various combinations of those colors).  The ones in my home garden hold their flowers until mid summer.  Another interesting aspect of this plant is the leaves are evergreen.  The leaves from the previous season stay green until new growth appears in late winter.  When new flowers bloom, the old leaves whither and new leaves unfold.  If the old leaves are unappealing, you can prune them.  Otherwise, these plants are essentially care-free.  They are shade lovers but can tolerate a little bit of sun and the clay soils of Central Indiana do not seem to bother them either.   Thet typical height of the plant is 12-18 inches and they can have width of 2-3 feet.  This a plant that provides interest in the garden nearly year round.