Hellebores (helleborus) are a versatile and tough plant able to grow in semi shade and as they bloom in the winter and early spring they are a great addition to the garden at this time of the year. Hellebores are available in a range of varieties, with flowers from white to near black. (see picture right)
Hellebore niger is is known as 'The Christmas Rose' and has attractive white flowers. Hellebrus foetidus has disected foliiage and atractive flowers heads on red stems during winter. H. viridis is the green hellebore. Helleborus orientalis are the most popular species with many hybrids readily available for sale from mail order and specialist nurseries. |
Red - Black Hellebore Flower |
Growing Hellebores in the UK
With the development of many new Hellebore hybrids over recent years, the home gardener now has access to hellebore varieties that will flower more consistently with a greater range of colors and flower forms than older Hellebores. Both single hellebores and double, hellebores are available with colors ranging from white through to black, including yellow, red and gray. Hellebores, or the Christmas or Lenten Rose has certainly been developed in recent years.
Seedlings, seeds and larger plants are all available to buy online.
Where to grow Hellebore plants
Hellebores are often considered as shade loving plants and whilst they are indeed shade tolerant plants they should flower best in given plenty of light from autumn through to spring and are then given protection from the hot sun during summer. Hellebores do well underneath deciduous trees, but may struggle to flower well in heavy shade beneath evergreen trees.
Care and pruning involves thinning older clumps and cutting back some of foliage in autumn to allow flowers to be displayed at their best when they appear in the winter months.
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Hellebore plant care and growing hints.
Although Hellebores are generally tough plants they do require a well drained position in a humus rich soil. Add lots of organic matter and fertilize hellebores with an all purpose fertilizer. Once established Hellebores are reasonably drought tolerant. Hellebores can be fertilized during winter and old foliage can also be cut back at this time. Yes Hellebores can be grown in pots, we suggest a large pot to allow for the root system to
develop and to be kept cool, small pots heat up and dry out. |
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