For a glimpse of spring during those last, long days of winter, plant a patch of Lenten rose. Clusters of the cup-shaped flowers will rise above the snow to delight the eye and lighten the mood. Lenten rose prefers a protected location in partial to full shade and rich, well-drained soil. Cut back flower stems immediately after flowering to promote foliage growth. Rarely reaching over 18 inches, Lenten rose plants are gorgeous when naturalized in woodland gardens, under trees or at the front of the border. They self-seed or clumps can be divided in the spring, making them easy to mass. The plants tolerate air pollution and are usually ignored by deer.
