Winter Jewels™ 'Onyx Odyssey' Hellebore

Winter Jewels® ‘Onyx Odyssey’ is a mound-forming hellebore with double, frilly flowers in deep purple, slate, and near-black tones. Its evergreen leaves and late-winter-to-spring bloom give a shaded border a long season of structure and color. ## Flowers and foliage The flowers open above leathery foliage, with new leaves emerging purple before maturing to green. Terra Nova notes that the dark flower color lasts rather than fading quickly, and a detailed cultivar profile describes the flowers from late winter through spring. Published dimensions are about 22 inches tall by 24 inches wide, so allow room for a broad clump. [Terra Nova Nurseries](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/articles/hellebore/hellebore.html) · [Perennials.com](https://www.perennials.com/plants/helleborus-hybridus-wj-onyx-odyssey.html) · [Winter Jewels listing](https://greenerynsy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2022-23-Skagit-Hellebores-Winter-Companions-edited-public.pdf) ## Siting Plant in partial or dappled shade with soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Choose a lasting position: the cultivar profile advises that hellebores resent being moved. Its dark flowers show well near paths or against lighter foliage, and the evergreen clump suits woodland-style borders. [RHS hellebore growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/hellebore/growing-guide) ## Maintenance Water newly planted hellebores through their first season and established plants during hot, dry spells. In late winter, cut old leaves close to the ground before the flower buds open; this clears the view of the blooms and makes room for fresh foliage. Keep the plant at its original depth and avoid persistently wet soil. [Perennials.com](https://www.perennials.com/plants/helleborus-hybridus-wj-onyx-odyssey.html) · [RHS hellebore growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/hellebore/growing-guide)