Lenten Rose (also known as Hellebore) is probably the first perennial to bloom in mid- to late Winter (not counting some of the minor bulbs), with its pendulous flowers either peeking out beneath the old evergreen foliage (if sited in a wind-protected area), or emerging on their own accompanied by the smaller stem leaves. Lenten Rose needs a shady site in rich, well-drained soil for optimum performance.