Every year, the Perennial Plant Association picks one perennial that they feel is outstanding. This year, the honor goes to Helleborus xhybridus, also called the helebore. If you have a shade garden and have never added these fascinating plants to your flower beds, consider adding a few this year.

Hellebores became popular when they were re-discovered by gardeners looking for a way to bring color into the garden in late winter and early spring. They bloom for about six weeks and start in late February in my zone 7 garden.

Pick your location carefully because I have found that these plants get very sulky when they are moved. They grow best in moist soil in partial shade. However, as long as you plant them under deciduous trees, they will grow in full shade. When they are happy in the garden, massive bunches of seedlings will sprout near the mother plant.

Hellebores have beautiful blossoms that last for quite some time. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, white, pink, red, and pale green. To admire the blossoms, you will need to get down on their level, since they face the ground. In addition, the foliage of these plants provides year round interest, since its thick, serrated leaves are evergreen. When the old leaves die off in late winter, new leaves begin to grow. These plants are virtually indestructible, since animals will not eat them and they do not have any known diseases.

A word of caution: do not remove the old leaves with your bare hands. You may develop an unpleasant, itchy rash. These plants are poisonous! Do not plant them if you have children.

Visit the Perennial plant association's page about their plant of the year to see photographs and to find out more about the hellebore.