Hellebores are among the earliest perennial flowers to bloom, welcoming spring with their rose-like blossoms.
In warm locales,Helleborus orientalis(commonly called Lenten rose) can bloom outdoors at Christmastime.
In colder zones, hellebores will break through the frozen ground early in the spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Their foliage remains attractive into the summer, so they are suitable for splashy, mass plantings.
Be aware thatHelleborus niger (commonly called theChristmas rose) andHelleborus orientalisare toxic.
Hellebore Care
Hellebores are usually planted from potted nursery specimens, even when purchased from online retailers.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Hellebore seeds are available, but they are sold in seed packets that include a mix of colors.
The only real maintenance the plants require is a little cleanup of the dried leaves.
Light
Hellebores preferpartial to full shadeduring the summer months but require more sunlight in winter.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Hellebores grow best in soil that is well-draining and rich with organic matter.
If your soil is acidic, consider adding lime, as hellebores prefer neutral or even alkaline conditions.
Before amending soil, ensure to do asoil testto determine soil pH levels and nutrient availability.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Once established, they can handle drier soil.
In colder climates, protect hellebores from harsh winter winds.
Hellebores tolerate a wide range of humidity.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Additional fertilizer is rarely needed if the soil is rich enough.
More and morehybridsare being offered in single colors.
The new growth should come up between the older stems and leaves.
When it does, cut away tattered, old growth with sharp pruning shears.
Cut the old growth as close to the base as possible.
Propagating Hellebore
Hellebores can be propagated by division.
The best time to divide is in late winter before they flower.
verify each division has at least 2 buds.
(Helleborus foetidusandHelleborus argutifoliusdo not divide well and are best started from seed.)
Seeds can produce plants that resemble one of the parent species, not the hybrid.
Fresh seeds can be planted in containers and left outdoors throughout the summer.
Keep the soil moist and you should see germination in either the fall or the following spring.
However, if they sit too long outside of the soil, they develop a hard coating and godormant.
It can take a year or more for them to complete this dormancy cycle.
Stored hellebore seeds need to bestratifiedbefore planting.
First, soak the seeds in hot water until they start to swell.
This can take a day or two.
Finally, move the pots to a cooler spot, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should see germination and sprouting within another four to six weeks.
Overwintering
Hellebores are winter-hardy and require little attention to make it through the harsh winter months.
They will usually bounce right back at the first sign of spring.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Hellebores are not bothered by many insects, except for aphids.
Affected parts can be removed, then sprayed with horticultural oil or another pesticide.
One quite serious disease carries the ominous name Black Death.This causes stunted plants and black streaks.
It is due to theHelleborus net necrosisvirus, which is transmitted by aphids.
If a plant is affected, your only recourse is to remove the plant entirely.
Treat for aphids to prevent the spread of this disease.
How to Get Hellebore to Bloom
Hellebores can be planted in the spring or fall.
Some species are slow to develop and might require two seasons before they bloom.
Blooming might also be delayed if the young plant had been forced into bloom too early.
Bloom time depends on both the species and your climate.
The three most familiar species areH.
Varieties labeled asHelleborusxhybridusare generally hybrids that haveH.
orientalisas the principal parent.
Those that are grown from seed can take about three years to reach that point.
Hellebore.ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/hellebore
Hellebore (Helleborus)-Aphid.Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks, 11 Apr.
Hellebores.Ncsu.Edu, 13 Dec. 2021, https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/12/hellebores-an-easy-care-evergreen-ground-cover/
