How Fast Does a Hellebore Rose Grow in Two Weeks?

Winter Warm-Ups

• Seasonal temperatures drive the blooms of Lenten rose and its many hybrids. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, these winter bloomers flower late in the season just as soils begin to warm. Until temperatures rise, Lenten roses stay hidden. Over two weeks or two months -- no change occurs. In USDA zones 6 through 9, the plant's foliage remains evergreen, yet no part of the plant actively grows. When the warming rays of late-winter suns finally arrive, Lenten roses are ready to bloom.

Slowing Early Blooms

• As Lenten roses peek through the soil, days are still quite cold. Their arrival often coincides with the beginning of the Lenten fast observed by many people around the world. To highlight the enthralling blooms, remove last year's flattened foliage in late winter just before flowers emerge. To slow Lenten roses, keep the hand-like leaves -- up to 18 inches long -- intact as long as possible to protect buds. With foliage removed, the plant responds quickly. If blooms emerge too early, they can succumb to cold. The flower buds cling to the soil for safety. This stage of semi-bloom, held at ground level, can last several weeks until temperatures rise.

Overcoming Shyness

• With warming temperatures, boldness takes over. Lenten roses leap from the ground. In years when late winter is warm, the plant's growth rate can double. What took two weeks in previous years happens quickly. The plant can go from no color to full flower in three to four days. As new foliage unfurls, whether green or purple, a mound forms 12 inches high and up to 2 feet wide. The stalk-less flower spikes reach 12 to 18 inches tall. Blossoms measuring 2 to 3 inches across cluster together in enchanting, colorful arrays. Composed of sepals rather than petals, the blooms last up to three months. When Lenten roses are grown from seed, as most are, two to three years pass before these first blooms are borne.

Wintry Rewards

• Lenten roses bloom in spectacular combinations including apple-green and purple-black to yellow, speckled pink and picotee, in which the edges are a different color than the rest of the bloom. Lenten roses cross and self-seed freely in the garden. Seedling flower colors rarely match the parent except in well-developed strains. Enjoy their diversity. To preserve a favorite color, divide the plant in spring or late summer. Provide a rich, well-drained planting site; they are sensitive to poorly drained soils. Northern locations beg a sunny woodland spot. Southern gardens warrant protection from midday sun. When buying a Lenten rose -- even if it is named and labeled -- buy it in flower to know the color of its blooms.