The Lenten Rose

 
The Lenten Rose. What an undemanding little beauty who will readily adapt to drought conditions, too much rain, thrives in the shade, loves the cold, and is a perennial to boot. In reality, it is a member of the the buttercup family. However, because of the appearance of its flower buds, it was given the distinct honor of bearing the name rose in its given name.

They are hardy in zones 4-9, and sometimes you can even get away with success in zone 3.

While their colors are quite diverse...from a deep maroon, to pink, to white, to yellow, and more, my favorites are the following....

...these little freckled face darlings. Seriously. Don't they put a smile on your face?

 

 A mature plant can have about 50 flowers per plant. I doubt if mine will ever do that well as the soil conditions where mine are planted is not good. In my yard, the Lenten Roses started flowering in Feburary. Eventually, all the flower heads, regardless of their original color will turn a green.  
 

I recently read that all parts of this plant are toxic. So probably not a good choice for anyone with little ones or a pet that likes to chomp on garden plants. Sometimes I wonder if animals "know" since the deer and rabbits that normally feast on local gardens don't touch these flowers.

With Spring well underway in our area of the world, everyday it seems there is a new bush, tree, flower peeking out to greet all who will take the time to look. Despite the fact that this is our 8th Spring in this area of the U.S. I am still in awe of the beauty that comes to visit this area. So much so, that despite the fact that I can't wait to get to the ocean for our spring break, there is a piece of me...

....that hates leaving this area for a week...

...because I don't want to miss a single day of soaking up the Spring beauty. 
 
 

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[Cherie Wilson]

Just beautiful Sue! Love these, but don't have any. Just ordered some heirloom seeds and wanted to take a stab at some of their Zinnia's. Love all the colors. Hey, I just posted and if you look you will see some pink vintage chenille wire. any ideas for uses with this? I know you have such a good eye:)

[Sheila]

Sue, those are amazingly pretty!

I've been MIA lately and will be again for a few weeks (things going on in my life that demand attention), but I will catch up with you when I return! In the mean time, wishing you a wonderful week...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Sheila :-)

[Shelley in SC]

How can it be that I have never heard of this flower? I especially LOVE that last picture . . . really breathtaking!

[~*~Patty]

Oh My Dear Sue ~ thank you for sharing spring in your neck of the woods!
Your flower pics are gorgeous and the closeups knock my socks off ... again and again!
It's a lovely parade of colors isn't it...Spring might be my favorite season...I can understand not wanting to miss a second of it! Each day holds a new surprise!
The beach would be VERY tempting as well!
oxo

[philippines flower]

Nice post! this is the first time I saw that kind of flower. Beautiful! thanks for sharing this post.

-pia-