This early-blooming evergreen brightens up shady spots with its exquisite flowers.
There areso many pretty varietiesyou’d be pressed for choice.
The flowers remain on the plant for several months, even after the petals have fallen.
The divided leaves rise on sturdy stems and may be serrated along the edges.
Hellebore is resistant to deer and voles.
The plant is toxic to humans and pets.
Where to Plant Hellebore
Plant hellebores in a shady location with evenly moist, well-drained soil.
The soil should be neutral to slightly alkaline.
Select an area where the hellebores are in full view during their long bloom time.
As long as there is shade, plant them in the front of a border or along a walkway.
Shady spots under evergreen trees are ideal.
Hellebores are especially attractive when planted in small groups or as a mass planting.
How and When to Plant Hellebore
Hellebores can be planted either in the spring or fall.
Backfill it with original soil and tamp it down.
Space plants at least 15 inches apart.
Hellebore Care Tips
Hellebores are long-lived perennials that are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Light
Hellebores need at least partial shade.
Dappled sun, partial shade, and full shade are acceptable.
If your soil is very acidic, amend it with lime.
Excellent drainage is a must, as hellebores struggle in soggy soil.
Hellebores need regular watering until they are established.
After that, they are fairly drought-tolerant but prosper when the soil is evenly moist.
To maintain soil moisture, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants.
Temperature and Humidity
Hellebores are very hardy plants.
Some varieties are more winter-hardy than others so double-check to select a key in that fits your growing zone.
Extremely high summer temperatures and hot, arid climates are not suitable for hellebores.
There is no need to remove the stems after flowering, they remain attractive even after the bloom.
Remove them if they start to deteriorate.
To deter them, use diatomaceous earth.
How to Propagate Hellebore
Propagating hellebores is not an easy feat for home gardeners.
Also, most hellebores are hybrids and their seeds wont produce plants that are true to the parent.
Some varieties areprotected by plant patentsso it is prohibited to propagate them in any form.
In that case, carefully dig up the seedlings and replant them in another location.
Its fingered evergreen leaves are leathery in texture.
The flowers often turn green as they age.
Popular varieties include Annas Red, Wedding Party, and Honeymoon.
The plant starts to bloom in late winter and for an extended time into the spring.
It grows in clumps 1 to 1.5 feet tall and wide.
This tough, shade-loving perennial blooms with white or purplish lavender funnel-shaped or flared flowers in summer.
Zone 3-9
Astilbe
Astilbebrings a graceful, feathering note to moist, shady landscapes.
In cooler climates, it tolerates full sun provided it has a constant supply of moisture.
In drier sites, however, the leaves will scorch in full sun.
When planted in the right conditions, it will spread slowly over time.
Most commercially available types are complex hybrids.
All hellebores are highly toxic, both as living and dead plants.
Wear gloves when handling the plant and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Most hellebores sold commercially are complex hybrids and do not propagate easily via seed or division.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Hellebore.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
