Helleborus Honeymoon 'New York Night' is a dramatic late winter blooming perennial with dusky black to deep purple flowers that contrast strikingly against leathery evergreen foliage. Its nodding cup shaped blooms emerge as early as January and persist for weeks offering moody elegance during the grayest months. The blooms are long lasting in both the landscape and vase making it a favorite for early floral arrangements and shade gardens alike.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Rich, well drained soil with organic matter
Watering Needs: Moderate; keep evenly moist but not soggy
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant due to leathery, toxic foliage
Native Status
This hybrid cultivar originates from Eurasian species and is not native to North America. It has been bred for ornamental appeal, especially in shaded temperate gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides early nectar for emerging honeybees, bumblebees, and small solitary bees during late winter when few other plants are in bloom.
Butterflies
- Visited by early flying butterflies such as Spring Azure and Mourning Cloak in mild climates where overwintering adults emerge during warm spells.
Moths
- Occasionally used by overwintering moths such as the Isabella Tiger Moth and other nocturnal pollinators on warm early spring nights.
Birds
- While not a food source, its evergreen foliage offers winter cover for small songbirds such as wrens and sparrows seeking shelter in garden understories.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow each clump to mature and showcase its unique flowers without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and underplantings near shrubs or trees. Pairs beautifully with early bulbs and evergreen ground covers for winter interest.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - Adds graceful arching stems and dangling white flowers in late spring, harmonizing with Helleborus structure.
- Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red' - Offers plume like flowers and upright form that complements the darker tones of Helleborus blooms in shade gardens.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Adds silvery foliage and spring blue flowers that contrast well with dark Helleborus flowers.
- Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' - Brings variegated, arching blades that brighten shaded spaces and provide seasonal texture.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Produces delicate spring flowers and provides attractive foliage that fills in around Helleborus.