How to Grow Hellebores Flowers

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.

Where is the best place to plant hellebores?
Do you cut back hellebores after flowering?
What is the best time to plant hellebores?
What kind of fertilizer do hellebores like?
Do hellebores bloom the first year?
Do hellebores grow well in pots?
Do hellebores die down in summer?
Do hellebores spread?
Do hellebores bloom all summer?
Is hellebore poisonous to dogs?
Do hellebores like sun or shade?

Where is the best place to plant hellebores?

They prefer a sheltered position in semi-shade (dense shade can reduce flowering) with a rich, moist, free draining soil. If possible, it is desirable to plant hellebores on a sloping bed, both to improve drainage and also to make it easier to look into the flowers, which naturally nod.

Do you cut back hellebores after flowering?

I always cut off all the flower stems before the pods split. Finally, we're often encouraged to divide our hardy perennials every three years and to replant the healthiest pieces in improved soil. However hellebores, like hostas, are best left to mature into large clumps and not split.

What is the best time to plant hellebores?

Hellebores can be planted at any time of the year. For some it's most convenient to plant in late winter to early spring because that is when the majority are offered for sale. Follow the steps below: Choose a position that is in part shade.

What kind of fertilizer do hellebores like?

Despite what most growers think, hellebores need a steady feed throughout the growing cycle with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 to 1.5. A slow release, eight- to nine-month fertilizer is recommended for spring planting.

Do hellebores bloom the first year?

Hellebore is a perennial that blooms very beautifully and that will follow through the winter season until the beginning of spring, most often from November to March and April. If it doesn't bloom during the first year, this is perfectly normal, since it usually needs two years to unveil its cute little flowers.

Do hellebores grow well in pots?

Hellebores are the stars of these colourful winter and spring containers. Waning colour in the winter garden? ... Late winter and spring are the perfect times to be planning ahead for summer and autumn containers – they'll need planting up in the coming months.

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.

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.

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.

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.