Hellebores, commonly known as Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose, are valued garden perennials. They provide color and structure during the colder months. Their characteristic nodding, cup-shaped flowers typically emerge during late winter and early spring. This early blooming habit makes them a welcome sight when most other garden plants are dormant.
Hellebores Are Not Deciduous
Hellebores are evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials, meaning they do not completely die back to the ground after flowering. Unlike deciduous plants, such as hostas or tulips, hellebores retain their foliage throughout the year. This structural persistence confirms they do not die back in summer.
As temperatures rise, the plant enters a phase of vegetative rest, or summer dormancy.
During this resting period, the plant conserves energy and significantly slows its growth rate to survive the heat and drier conditions. This reduced activity is a natural part of the hellebore’s life cycle, ensuring resources are available to bloom again in the following cold season. The crown and root system remain intact beneath the soil, ready to resume robust growth when cooler weather returns. The old foliage protects the crown and aids preparation for the next cycle.
Foliage Appearance During Summer Rest
The foliage remaining through the summer often looks different compared to the lush leaves of spring. The older, leathery leaves become tougher and worn after powering the earlier flowering display. Signs of stress, such as brown edges or faded color, are common, especially if the plant receives too much direct sun.
In late summer, pests like the hellebore leaf miner can target the foliage, causing disfiguring tunnels and discoloration. This damage, combined with natural aging, often leads to the misconception that the plant is dying back. New growth is present but remains hidden beneath the canopy of older leaves until autumn’s cooler temperatures arrive.
Managing Hellebores Through the Summer Heat
Successful summer care focuses primarily on protecting existing foliage and preventing heat or drought stress. Hellebores perform best in moderate or partial shade, especially protection from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Planting them under deciduous trees is ideal, as the canopy provides summer shade but drops leaves to allow winter sun exposure.
Established plants are reasonably drought-tolerant but benefit from deep, infrequent watering during prolonged hot, dry spells. Watering should keep the root zone consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Gardeners can improve the plant’s appearance and health by removing tired or damaged foliage accumulated over spring and summer. This practice, called “tidying up,” improves air circulation around the crown, which can help mitigate pest and fungal issues. Fertilizing is unnecessary during this resting phase, as the plant focuses on conservation.