For as long as I can remember, gardeners have always been focussed on Hellebore flower form and colour. Whether it was the new anemone or double types, bicolour blooms or unique hues such as slate blue or even those first few true yellows. To be honest, we are currently spoiled for choice in this regard, but there is a new series called The Rockies Helleborus which has changed its focus to foliage instead of flowers. Looking back, we have had some foliar hellebores available such as ‘Red Silver’, ‘Pacific Frost’ and of course, the Rodney Davey Marbled Group which includes ‘Anna’s Red’ and ‘Penny’s Pink’, but the breeding in the Rockies Helleborus seems to have taken foliage colour up a notch. Currently, there are six varieties being offered and here is your first look at each of them.
‘Grand Teton’
Generously serrated dark greenish-blue new foliage make this an eye catching variety, even before the flowers emerge. The deep burgundy blooms unfurl in spring atop red-tinted stems and are accented by contrasting bright yellow stamens, with the flowers fading to a lovely lime green. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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‘Mount Nebo’
One of the stars of the Rockies Helleborus with unusual reddish-burgundy foliage emerging in the spring and fall which matures to a brilliant pink and finally green leaves with white speckles. The buds and flowers are tinted a rosy-pink and fade to an attractive chartreuse with prominent stamens. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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‘Snowshoe Mountain’
The new foliage emerges with a rose tinge in spring and fall, maturing to green leaves (with a temporary purplish reverse) heavily speckled in white, much resembling a ‘snowstorm’. Clusters of greenish-yellow blooms are also rose tinted and held on contrasting purplish-pink stems, making both the flowers and foliage very garden worthy. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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‘Pike’s Peak’
Stunning silvery-grey foliage held on reddish stems is accented by finely serrated margins and prominent green veining, with the leaf colour reminding me somewhat of Helleborus foetidus ‘Wester Flisk’. It bears bouquets of chartreuse flowers with sharply contrasting bright yellow stamens. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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‘Hollowtop Mountain’
An evergreen hellebore with new growth of a deep forest green generously accented by bright white mid veins and marbling that persists, as well as contrasting red petioles on the mature foliage. The blooms are also unique for the Rockies Helleborus, in that they are single pure white flowers borne in early spring, which fade with hints of rose. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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‘Table Mountain’
I saved the best for last as this dazzling variety bears break-through gold to lime new foliage which is really going to pop in the shade garden, and the leaves actually mature to a brighter gold accented by purple petioles. The rosy-purple blooms are a perfect compliment and are nicely contrasted by the bright yellow stamens. Personally, I would buy ‘Table Mountain’ just for the foliage. Grows 8-10” tall by 12-14” wide. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
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For more inspiration just visit YouTube and type in The Rockies Helleborus Must Have Perennials or visit Amsterdam Garden Centre, because we have every variety in stock right now.
Photo Credit: MUST HAVE PERENNIALS
Copyright 2026 MK Lascelle
