Hellebores are easy to grow plants as long as soil and light conditions are suitable for growing. When you receive your plants you should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.

Position

A position in dappled shade or part sun is preferable and Helllebores do especially well if planted under trees or large shrubs. Helebores do not take kindly to being moved a lot and as such they should be placed in to a permanent position where possible. Hellebores will tolerate container growing as long as the container is a suitable size and is kept moist.  

Soil

A moist, deeply dug and fertile soil will ensure plants grow well. Soil should be prepared prior to planting, digging it over with a garden fork or spade and adding plenty of organic matter will suffice. The addition of well-rotted garden compost, manure and multi-purpose compost will ensure that soil remains moist, fertility is increased and soil structure itself improves leading to better drainage. 

Care

Newly planted plants will require regular watering and feeding to help them to establish. Hellebores are hungry plants and will require a regular application of general fertilizer or a mulch of well rotted horse manure in the spring and after flowering. Applying a spring mulch will also help to conserve water and keep roots moist. If leaves of plants start to fade or turn brown remove these and discard.  It is important that these are not added to the compost bin as they may harbor disease.

Top tip

Plant Hellebores with other woodland plants and bulbs to create a beautiful spring display.