Helleborus orientalis

Japanese name: ハルザキクリスマスローズ
Scientific name: Helleborus orientalis

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial.
The leaves are basal, divided in a pedate (bird-foot) pattern into 5–11 lobes, and leathery; the lobes are elliptic-lanceolate to broadly elliptic with doubly serrate margins.
The leaf stalks are long, reaching 45–60 cm.
The flowers are borne 3–4 to a cyme, facing slightly downward.
The flower stalks are shorter than the leaves.
The flowers are about 6 cm across, and what look like 5 petals are actually sepals, changing from cream to brownish yellow-green.
The true petals have become small tubular nectaries that surround the many stamens in a ring.
The fruit is a follicle, and the seeds have an appendage (elaiosome) along the raphe that ants and similar insects favor, so the seeds are dispersed by ants.
The whole plant is poisonous and is said to contain cardiac glycosides with a burning taste; care is needed because the sap can cause inflammation if it gets on the skin.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or from seed.
A well-drained, fertile site that receives sun from autumn to spring and is shaded in summer is suitable.
It grows from autumn to spring and becomes half dormant in the hot, humid season.
Overly wet conditions cause the roots to rot, so keep it slightly on the dry side throughout the year.
Water when the soil surface has dried, but during dormancy, hold back on watering to the extent that the soil does not become extremely dry.
Fertilize only from winter to spring, giving liquid fertilizer once every 10 days.
Care is needed because frost and cold wind damage the leaves.
Unless you want to collect seeds, remove the flowers at the neck after flowering so as not to tire the plant.
In early winter, when new leaves emerge, cut the old leaves off at the base.
Pests and diseases include gray mold and black spot.

[Notes]
The alternative name Lenten rose comes from the fact that it blooms around Lent.

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