Plant a Hellebore (collectively known as Helleborus or simply Hellebores) for Flowers all Winter

Why are they Special?
Helleborus or Hellebores as they are more widely know are some of the most captivating plants of winter. With the wide range of flower types and colours, the enthusiasm for hellebores is on the increase. They are easy to grow, tolerant of a wide variety of soils and situations and are naturally very long-lived, not to mention exceptionally beautiful, especially in winter when little else is around to give interest in the garden. Plants are just coming into their own, making it is an ideal time to buy and plant for enjoyment in your very own garden. We enjoy them here from January, right the way through to beyond the end of April.

How do I look after them?
Hellebores require little attention throughout the year, a simple good mulching and handful of slow release fertiliser will keep them well fed throughout and conserve moisture in the dryer months. This is basically all they need, apart perhaps from occasionally removing older foliage as it starts to look past its best. Unless you want lots of baby hellebores, deadheading by cutting off the faded flower stems will also be beneficial, as the plant will put more energy into providing foliage and flowers for the following season.

You’re only going to have a problem growing hellebores if your soil is waterlogged, like a bog, as they can’t stand these conditions for too long. You’ll simply have to improve the drainage or create raised beds if your soil is like this. Planting near trees which naturally remove a lot of moisture from constantly wet soil is another good idea for these shade loving plants. They’ll appreciate the dappled rather than full sun the trees canopy will provide in summer. That’s not to say they will not grow in full sun, we manage that here in poorly drained, heavy Essex clay soil. They’re simply one of the toughest, most adaptable perennial plants available, that anyone can easily grow.