What is a hellebore? I was browsing a local nursery store at the end of last season. I had a bit more on a gift card and was looking for something different. I spotted an interesting, almost gothic looking plant. It had dusty rose almost gray flowers and deep variegated leaves.

And it was touted as perennial that likes shade and is deer-resistant — if there really is such a plant. Yes, in fact, the deer do not like it.

Only three left were left, and I took one of these hellebores home.

Researching them proved interesting. Helleborus X hybridus has approximately 15 species. It is a group of evergreen, late winter or early spring flowering perennials. It is often referred to as the Lenten rose, as it blooms early in the Christian season of Lent (late February to early March) in our area, and sometimes as the Christmas rose because of its bloom time in warmer climates than the Valley.

Mature plants can form clumps that are from 18 to 24 inches tall and up to 30 inches wide. Even within the same hybrid, the glossy, deep green leaves can have much color variation.

The tough, slightly woody stems remain attractive throughout the growing season. The flower buds form in summer and are often followed by unusual seed pods that add garden interest. The flowers come in a variety of colors and can be single or double.

The plant has an interesting history. It originated in Eastern Europe and Asia. They were used medicinally for ailments, including gout, mental health and even paralysis.

Historians have suggested that hellebore poisoning was the cause of Alexander the Great’s death. Similar to other plants in the family, Ranunculaceae, the leaves and seeds have alkaloids which can cause dermatitis in sensitive gardeners. This is what may also make them less attractive to deer.

In our area, hellebores can tolerate sun or partial shade in humus rich, well-drained soil. In more southern areas, they need partial shade.

Once the plant has established itself, it is low maintenance and rarely needs divided. Mature plants can produce up to 50 flowers. The flowers do well as cut for vases.

Though they are difficult to start from seed they usually have new seedlings in the spring that can be carefully transplanted.

Hellebores are one of the first plants to bloom heralding the coming of spring. The leaves add beauty throughout the growing season.

One small frustration may be leaves that turn brown during cold winters with lots of wind. These can be removed once blooms start to appear, if desired. New leaves will soon emerge at this time.

I have many hostas, which also do well in shade, but the deer tend to view them as a salad bar. It just might be worthwhile incorporating some of these hellebore beauties into my landscape in hopes of deterring these unwanted guests.

To learn more about hellebores, go to http://go.osu.edu/lentenrose.

Wloch is an Ohio State University Mahoning County Extension Master Gardener volunteer.