Why Plant Merlin Lenten Rose?
For weeks in winter, the world is gray, brown, white, beige. Blossoms have become only a memory, and the birds have stopped singing. Finally, one day, something magical happens. Against all odds, a few brave plants open their charming blooms—much to the delight of our flower-starved eyes. Merlin Hellebore is one of those marvelous plants. Before the frost is out of the ground, it is sending up sweet pink flower buds over dark evergreen foliage. The blossoms start out in a pleasing mix of ivory and pink, aging to a deep, dusky rose color. They would be lovely at any time of year, but are incredible in late winter!
In the wild, Hellebores are found primarily in eastern Europe. The most common types are also known as Lenten Roses (though they aren’t related to Roses), because in many areas they bloom around Lent. Another species is called Christmas Rose, because it blooms even earlier. Merlin is a selection with Christmas Rose in its background, along with some other, lesser known, species. It belongs to the Helleborus Gold Collection® (HGC) of German plant breeder Josef Heuger. In his HGC work, Heuger has striven to develop plants with intriguing colors, extended bloom times, and good vigor. Hellebore flowers tend to nod, so another goal has been to produce outward-facing blossoms that make a showier display.
How to use Merlin Lenten Rose in the landscape?
Bring the joy of winter blossoms indoors! Nothing could be cheerier than a collection of Hellebore blooms on the table when it’s frosty outside. Merlin Hellebores are best displayed in a bowl of water. Cut them with just a bit of stem attached and float them face-up like Waterlilies.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
How To Plant Merlin Lenten Rose
Give Merlin Hellebore a shady site where it will receive no direct midday or afternoon sun. The soil should be rich and well-drained for best results. Hellebores like regular water, although they can be surprisingly drought tolerant once established. They are toxic in all their parts, which means that these fantastic woodland plants resist deer and other browsing creatures. Their leathery leaves are evergreen where winters aren’t too severe. If the foliage does become damaged, simply prune out the unsightly leaves. Merlin is cold-hardy to at least -20ºF. Other than supplying a layer of mulch, you need to give it no special protection in cold weather.
How To Water
Water as soon as they arrive! Lenten Roses need to be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil for proper establishment in the landscape.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
