Helleborus Honeymoon 'Sandy Shores' is a refined and long blooming hellebore cultivar showcasing large creamy apricot flowers that deepen to soft pink as they age. Its leathery evergreen foliage remains attractive year round and its early bloom time makes it one of the first sources of garden color and nectar each season. The outward facing blooms are held well above the foliage on sturdy stems making them more visible in shady garden beds and winter landscapes.
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, organic, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture in spring and fall
Deer Resistance: Highly deer and rabbit resistant due to toxic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from hybrid hellebores with origins in Europe and western Asia. It is not native to North America, but performs well in temperate climates with woodland conditions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides early nectar for overwintering butterflies such as Mourning Cloak and Spring Azure emerging on warm days.
Bees
- Visited by honeybees, bumblebees, and early emerging solitary bees seeking scarce pollen and nectar in late winter.
Moths
- Occasionally supports adult moths emerging early in the season including nocturnal visitors such as Large Yellow Underwing and other overwintered species.
Beneficial Insects
- Early bloom provides a crucial food source for pollinators and predatory insects when few other plants are flowering.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow clumps to expand and naturalize over time without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Best used in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or beneath deciduous shrubs where winter sunlight can reach the blooms. Also suitable for winter container displays and cutting gardens for early floral arrangements.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Solomons Seal) - Elegant arching form and variegated foliage pair beautifully with hellebore blooms in spring.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Silver veined leaves and small blue flowers echo the cool tones of early season plantings.
- Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' - Spotted foliage and pink blue blooms extend the spring interest and match well in color and form.
- Hosta 'Blue Angel' - Broad blue green leaves create bold contrast and fill space in summer once hellebore flowers fade.
- Ferns (Various) - Provide fine texture and seasonal interest that highlights hellebore foliage and flowers.