Among gardeners you’ll always find those who are purists of sorts. “I only grow a vegetable garden. Why grow flowers if they don’t provide any food?” some say. “I only grow flowers,” others remark. “Food for the soul.”

Among flower gardeners, sometimes the lines are even more clearly drawn: “I only garden with perennials; annuals are too much trouble,” some will tell you. “You have to pay for them and plant them every year.” This sentiment may be difficult for some to understand, since with perennial gardening comes a hearty load of work each year. One may not need to purchase and plant but there is plenty of dividing, weeding, cultivating and maintaining to do. The sum of these activities can add up to much more than popping in a few annuals to fill up a bare spot.

Perennial garden purists always are on the lookout for new and exciting plants. A few weeks ago this column highlighted plants showcased for 2005 by the Proven Winners plant line. Another organization, the Perennial Plant Association (PPA), located in Hilliard, Ohio, each year also announces a Plant of the Year. The highly regarded Association, whose members represent all realms of the horticulture industry – from growers to landscape architects to educators – promotes the use of perennials. Their pick for 2005 is certainly of note as well.

Each year members submit nominations for the Plant of the Year award. A committee narrows the list to four selections and then members cast their vote for one of the four selected plants. Mind you, not just any plant makes it into the final round. Each plant must be suitable for a wide range of climates, must require relatively low maintenance, be easily propagated and come true from seed or vegetative propagation. It also must exhibit multiple seasonal interests – from flower color to foliage form.

Gardeners with abundant shade will rejoice in this year’s selection: Helleborus x hybridus, commonly called Lenten rose. This member of the buttercup family grows reliably in U.S. Hardiness Zones 4-9. With this zonal rating apologies are sent to readers in northern counties and cold mountainous areas. While the PPA notes that the plant may well grow in colder areas with abundant snow cover, it’s not officially rated for climates chillier than zone 4.

Lenten rose is native to Europe and Asia. A tidy clump of evergreen foliage bursts with single or double flowers in early spring. Mature plants will produce dozens of pink, white or multicolored flowers atop an 18-inch mound of lustrous foliage. In well-drained – even considerably dry conditions – and in full to partial shade, the plant will mound to 24 inches or so.

While many of the more commonly seen Lenten rose plants boast pink to white flowers, some have a gorgeous plum color bordering on black. Others have red or yellow blooms. Some produce flowers that reflect one color on top and a contrasting color on the back of each petal. Look for these plants as you peruse plant catalogs this winter: you’ll likely find both seeds and plants available from a variety of suppliers.

Helleborous plants are commercially propagated from seed. If careful attention is paid to the prevailing moisture and light conditions in your home, you very likely would have success raising this plant as well. You’ll need patience, however, if you’re going to undertake this endeavor. Seed germination itself is slow and then it can take four or five years to produce a plant that attains flowering size. Plants grown from seed do not necessarily come true to their parent’s color, so if you desire a specific flower color, it’s best to shop at your local nursery where exact color has been determined.

Although this pick gets off to a slow start from seed, once established, this plant can be left alone in the garden for 20 or more years! It’s the perfect perennial for those who firmly believe in the pure art of perennial gardening.

Diana George Chapin is the NEWS garden columnist. Send horticulture questions to Gardening Questions, 512 North Ridge Road, Montville 04941 or e-mail dianagc@midcoast.com. Selected questions will be answered in future columns. Include name, address and telephone number.