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Grape Galaxy Hellebore
Hellebores or Lenten roses are prized for their flowers which appear in late winter or early spring and are often the first flowers to appear in the Chicago garden. Grape Galaxy hellebore grows into a low mound about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The foliage is dark green with finger-like clusters which are evergreen throughout the winter except in extremely cold locations. Grape Galaxy bears clusters of two inch five-petaled purple flowers that are speckled with darker purple and have bright green centers.
Hellebores prefer cool moist soils but are very adaptable requiring only that the site be well-drained. Typically they are planted in woodland settings under deciduous trees where they receive full sun in winter and early spring but are protected in hotter months. The entire plant contains chemicals that are toxic to humans but makes them unappealing to deer and other wildlife.