top of page
rotary garden white logo.png

What's Blooming Now at Rotary Botanical Gardens – March 23, 2026

  • Mar 24
  • 2 min read

Spring is officially making its move at Rotary Botanical Gardens, and if you haven't been out to walk the grounds lately, now is a great time to go.


The Star of the Week: Hellebore (Lenten Rose)

Rio Carnival hellebore at Rotary Botanical Gardens on the Cherry Blossom Walk, displaying white petals heavily freckled with deep burgundy spots and a pale yellow center

The hellebores are having a moment. About 20% of RBG's roughly 600 hellebores are currently budding or blooming, and if you want to see them at their best, head to the Woodland Walk to find Spanish Flare or the Cherry Blossom Walk for Rio Carnival. Both have 20 or more plants in bloom right now.


Hellebores are commonly called Lenten Rose because they typically begin blooming during the Lenten season, making them one of the earliest and most reliable signs that spring has arrived. RBG has planted approximately 35 varieties, and you'll find them tucked into shady, woodland-style spots throughout the gardens. They're a shade-loving perennial that thrives in exactly that kind of setting.


Part of what makes hellebores so interesting is their range. They come in colors spanning white, pink, yellow, green, purple, red, and even near-black, with some varieties featuring spotted or freckled petals. You'll also find a mix of single, semi-double, and full double blooms. One thing they share: most varieties have a characteristic nodding habit, with flowers that gently dangle downward. Once they get going, they typically last around six weeks, so you have time, but don't wait too long.

Also Worth Noting


A few other early bloomers are just getting started around the gardens:

  • Daffodils are emerging in the Entrance Gardens

  • Crocus can be spotted along the Woodland Walk

  • Iris Reticulata and Siberian Squill are showing in shaded areas and along the North Path/Gazebo Garden


On the other end of the season, Winter Aconite along the Pond and Early Snowdrops are in their final days. Catch them this week if you want to see them before they go.

Spring is unfolding fast. Find your moment in the Gardens!


Thank you to Melissa Lauer for providing what's blooming at Rotary Botanical Gardens and all the beautiful photos!


Rotary Botanical Gardens 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545

bottom of page