Description
Hellebores are tough and undemanding plants. They grow fairly slowly, so when planting it is worth thinking carefully about the spot, so that you will not need to move them later – they dislike being moved and react badly to root damage. Growing in one place for many years, they become stronger and flower more profusely year after year.
Hellebores are suitable for borders and rock gardens. Their flowers last a long time after cutting – up to 2 weeks – so they can be cut for vases.
Requirements
Hellebores prefer fertile, free-draining, deeply dug, chalky and moderately moist soil.
Propagation
Hellebores can be propagated from seed – unfortunately the seedlings do not repeat the traits of the parent plant – and by dividing well-established clumps, ideally in August or September. Divide the clump into several pieces, each with at least a few leaves, healthy roots and buds from which shoots will grow. Plant the divisions 40–50 cm apart or pot them up, moving them to the garden after a year.
Care
To keep the soil moist, it is a good idea to mulch it. They grow best in partial shade, near deciduous shrubs and trees or tall perennials. Summer drought harms flowering, so water them regularly during summer heat.
Hellebores are poisonous plants: all parts contain a toxic substance, helleborin, which causes poisoning if eaten. The sap can cause blisters on the skin.