Hellebore Care - How To Grow Hellebores

Hellebore care tips:

The leathery foliage of hellebore flowers looks best when sheared in late winter just before new growth emerges.
An annual application of manure or compost will help to boost the growth of your hellebores.
Provide plenty of water during spring and fall when they are actively growing.

Do you cut back hellebores after flowering?

As soon as the new growth appears, these old leaves can be cut away, slicing them right at the base. If your old foliage is undamaged and still looks good, it's not necessary to prune them right away, but once the new grow starts to leaf out, you'll want to make way for them by removing the old growth.

How do you take care of hellebores?

Grow hellebores in fertile, well-drained soil at the front of a border, beneath shrubs or in pots, in sun to partial shade. Cut back the large leathery leaves when flowers and new foliage emerge and mulch plants annually with well-rotted compost or manure. Avoid transplanting hellebores after they have established.

Do Hellebores self seed?

Growing Hellebores from Seed

Some varieties of Hellebores will self seed and the seedlings will mature into plants. ... You can also collect seed, which will be around May time. The seed is best sown immediately and leave the pots outside to get a cold spell and they may germinate later/the following year.

Do hellebores like sun or shade?

Hellebores are hardy in Zones 6 to 9. They tolerate almost full sun to almost full shade but prefer partial shade. Dense shade may reduce flower production. Generally, they enjoy slightly neutral to acidic soils.

Do hellebores bloom all summer?

Hellebores have a usual bloom time (winter and spring), but they can sometimes be found for sale, in full bloom, during the summer. This means that the plants have been forced to bloom out of their usual schedule, and they aren't likely to bloom again in the winter.

Do hellebores grow well in pots?

Hellebore needs rich and well-drained soil, so be sure to choose a pot that drains and use a rich organic potting soil or add compost to existing soil. ... The flowers tend to droop downward, so find an elevated position for your container grown hellebore so you can fully enjoy it.

Where is the best place to plant hellebores?

PLANTING & CARING FOR HELLEBORES

Tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, hybrid hellebores perform best when sited in partial shade in rich, moist, but well-draining soil. Hellebores are quite easy to grow, and since they are perennials, will continue to bloom for a number of years.

Is hellebore poisonous to dogs?

Hellebore (Helleborus spp.), a member of the buttercup family, is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Thankfully, its foul taste often prevents them from eating it in large quantities. Even the name of the genus refers to its toxicity.

Why are hellebores so expensive?

Hybrid hellebores are expensive to purchase (about $17 for a one-gallon pot) because it takes three to five years for them to bloom, and growers generally only sell blooming plants. ... Unlike other perennials, hellebores are long-lived plants that do not need to be divided to remain vigorous.

How long do hellebore seeds take to germinate?

The secret of successful hellebore germination is to sow the seeds as early as possible after harvest, between June and August. They should then start to germinate from November/December, otherwise it can take up to 2 years! Sowing instructions are included with all orders.

What do I feed my hellebores?

Feeding hellebores

They are greedy feeders so give them a yearly feed in September with a slow-release fertiliser (such as Vitax Q4 ) or surround with well-rotted manure.

How far apart should you plant hellebores?

Spacing. Most hellebores can be planted about 35-45cm (14-18in) apart. Some need a bit more space; plant Helleborus argutifolius 60cm-1.2m (2-4ft) apart and Helleborus foetidus 60cm (2ft) apart.

How long do hellebore flowers last?

The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) can bloom in December in zone 7 or warmer but rarely blooms until spring in colder climates. Most species can be counted on to bloom somewhere between December and April and stay in bloom for a month or longer.

What is the best fertilizer for hellebores?

Do not fertilize hellebores, but top-dress them with compost once a year. In cold regions, provide a winter mulch, which should be pulled back before they bloom. The old or damaged foliage of evergreen hellebores can be cut away in early winter.

Do hellebores multiply?

A hellebore will yield from two to as many as 10 divided plants. You should plant the divided plants immediately, making sure the roots do not dry out. Plant them in well- prepared soil with good drainage. ... Firm the soil around the plant and water to avoid air pockets around the roots.

Are hellebores invasive?

The hellebore is a small evergreen perennial that blooms during the winter months and into spring, usually starting as early as late January. The clumps expand slowly by rhizomatous roots but are not invasive.

Why are my hellebore leaves turning yellow?

Every year as the plants begin to put on new foliage they can undergo a transient nutrient deficiency which is displayed as yellowing of the leaves. ... This is not to be confused with the yellow foliage on the yellow flowering plants like the O'Byrne's Helleborus x hybridus Golden Lotus or Golden Sunrise strain.

What type of soil do hellebores like?

Hellebores are easy to grow providing a few simple guidelines are followed. They prefer a rich soil with plenty of available moisture during their flowering period, but they also require excellent drainage: they are after all 'snow-melt' plants and, if you can grow them on a slope, they will naturally be well drained.

Do slugs like hellebores?

However I will recommend the evergreen hellebores such as Helleborus x ericsmithii and Helleborus argutifolius. These have tough foliage and tough flowers carried above the foliage in large clusters. These seem to be unpalatable to molluscs and they are carried well out of harm's way.

Can you take cuttings from hellebores?

Hellebores are best divided in early spring or autumn. Only hellebores that do not produce stems (acaulescent plants), can be propagated by division. ... For smaller plants, you can use a knife to carefully divide them. Replant each new section immediately so that they don't dry out.