Helleborus orientalis is the botanical name of the very popular, early blooming shade perennial more commonly known as the Lenten Rose. Lenten Roses are very hardy and grow in zones 4-9. They get their name because many selections bloom during the Easter celebration of Lent (depending on how late Easter is!). We’re already seeing a few starting to flower, and can last right into April.And there are many different flower colors available on the gardening market today!When they are not in bloom they remain as a lush deer resistant evergreen ground cover throughout the year. They prefer shade to partial shade and are excellent for naturalizing and grow in most soil types.