how often to water hellebores

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.

Should hellebores be cut back after flowering?

The best time for pruning a hellebore plant is late winter or early spring, just as soon as the new growth begins to appear. This new growth should come straight up out of the ground as little stalks. These stalks should still be surrounded by a ring of last year's big leaves.

Why are my hellebores dying?

Flower stems may wil and die. It is caused by the fungus Microsphaeropsis hellebori. There are no fungicides specifically designed to treat Hellebore Black Spot but most plant fungicides will help control the problem.

How do you keep hellebores from wilting?

Tips for keeping them in the best shape include, keeping them in deep water, scoring the stems lightly so they take up more water, and keeping them cool but not cold (if you've seen hellebores in a garden after a frost, you'll know the fridge isn't the right place for them).

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 die down in summer?

Hellebores flower from December through to mid-spring, although the flowers may stay on the plants longer as they slowly fade, but still look attractive. ... Hellebores require little or no maintenance, but they do better if the old foliage is removed in late winter during January.

Do hellebores spread?

Do hellebores spread? Yes, hellebores will self-sow. However, allowing them to do so may result in unexpected hybrids if you grow multiple types in close proximity. Thin out any new seedlings that are too close to mature plants.

When do you feed hellebores?

Remember to keep your newly-planted hellebores well watered during their first year. I feed my plants in early spring, and again in August/September when the new flower buds are being initiated. Lime often frees up nutrients, so I tend to use spent mushroom compost which contains some lime.

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.

Can hellebores tolerate sun?

Oriental Hybrid Hellebores

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.

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.

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.

How can I make my flowers last longer?

Bleach: Add ¼ teaspoon of bleach to your vase of fresh flowers and they should stay fresh longer, at least that's what they say. Bleach will keep your water from getting cloudy as well as help fight bacteria.

How do you revive wilting roses?

Take your wilted flower and snip the stem at an angle about 1 inch from the already cut end of the flower. 2. Add three teaspoons of sugar to the lukewarm water in your vase, and place the wilted flower in and let it sit. The sugar will perk them right up!

When is the best time to divide hellebores?

Division. Hellebores are typically long-lived plants. The regular mulching helps keep them healthy and free-flowering. They do not usually need to be divided for the health of the plant, but if you wish to transplant or divide a hellebore, that is best done in September or October.

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.

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.

Why are the leaves on my hellebore 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.

How tall do hellebores get?

Hellebore

genus name	Helleborus
plant type	Perennial
height	1 to 3 feet 3 to 8 feet
width	1-3 feet wide
flower color	Green White Pink

Are hellebores toxic 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.