HELLEBORUS Annas Red

Overview and Characteristics

Helleborus 'Anna’s Red' is an outstanding evergreen perennial from the Hellebore Breeding Programme by Rodney Davey, celebrated for its deep ruby-red flowers, attractive marbled foliage, and strong, upright habit. It belongs to the Helleborus x hybridus group, flowering prolifically in late winter and early spring, often from February through April.

Its name honours British plantswoman Anna Pavord, and it’s a standout in winter gardens due to its bold flower colour, ornamental foliage, and reliable performance in shady spots.

• Botanical Name: Helleborus x hybridus 'Anna’s Red'

• Common Name: Lenten Rose 'Anna’s Red'

• Family: Ranunculaceae

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial

• Height & Spread: 40–50 cm tall × 45–60 cm wide

• Flowers: Deep burgundy-red, outward-facing, up to 8 cm across

• Foliage: Dark green marbled with silver veining; remains attractive year-round

• Flowering Period: Late winter to mid-spring (Feb to April)

• Habit: Compact, clump-forming

• Hardiness: Fully hardy (H5 to H7 – tolerates -15°C to -20°C)

Light, Soil, and Positioning

Light Requirements

• Best in partial to full shade

• Ideal under deciduous trees or in north/east-facing beds

• Tolerates morning sun but needs shelter from harsh afternoon rays

Soil Preferences

• Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

• Will thrive in neutral to alkaline pH

• Benefits from the addition of leaf mould, compost, or well-rotted manure

• Avoid very dry or waterlogged sites

Watering, Feeding, and Care

Watering

• Water regularly during the establishment phase (first year)

• Once mature, it is drought-tolerant in shady settings but prefers consistent moisture

• Mulch annually to maintain moisture and suppress weeds

Feeding

• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser

• An annual top dressing of compost will also help maintain soil health

Maintenance

• In late winter (January or February), cut back old, leathery leaves just before new buds emerge—this helps reduce disease and highlights the flowers

• Remove spent flower stems after bloom

• Minimal division is needed, but if desired, divide in early autumn and replant immediately

Garden Uses and Combinations

‘Anna’s Red’ is a bold and elegant addition to any shade garden, winter border, or container display. Its rich tones bring depth and colour to low-light areas during the bleakest months.

Best Uses

• Shade or woodland borders

• Winter container arrangements

• Underplanting shrubs or trees

• Entrance paths and courtyard gardens

• Naturalising in lightly shaded areas

Companion Plants

• Pairs well with other Hellebores for a tapestry of winter blooms

• Brunnera, Heuchera, and Tiarella add textural and foliage contrast

• Combine with Pulmonaria, Epimedium, and Cyclamen coum for layered seasonal interest

• Underplant with snowdrops, early Narcissus, or Iris reticulata for a full late winter scene

Key Features and Benefits

• Vibrant ruby-red flowers on upright stems—striking in gloomy weather

• Beautiful silver-veined foliage for year-round interest

• One of the best Hellebores for flower colour intensity

• Compact, well-behaved habit—excellent in containers and borders

• Low maintenance and long-lived

• Bee-friendly—provides early nectar

• Deer- and rabbit-resistant

• Suitable for urban gardens, shade planting, and naturalistic displays

• Size
  2 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.