Do hellebores like sun or shade?
While they prefer light shade, they’ll often cope in a sunnier spot as long as the soil doesn’t get too dry. The stinking hellebore ( Helleborus foetidus) is happy in deep shade. Dislikes Hellebores dislike extremes – very wet or very dry soil is unsuitable, as is full sun, which can scorch the leaves in summer.
Do hellebores need sun or shade?
Yes, Hellebores need a little sun and shade. Every plant needs sunlight to produce beautiful flowers. Grow Hellebores in Zone 6 to 9, with slightly neutral to acidic soil. Hellebores are a member of the evergreen family that is found in North America from the Pacific Ocean to Mexico. It grows on trees, and it’s a common plant in gardens.
How to start hellebore from seeds?
Hellebore can be grown from seed, but the new plants may have different flowers to the ones you propagate from. Collect the black seeds from the pods as soon as they have gone hard. Sow them in seedling trays using a seed-raising mix and lightly cover them. When the seedlings are large enough, move them into individual pots.
Do hellebores grow in Zone 9?
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. Don’t plant them in a spot that’s too wet as this encourages rot. The crown should be just covered by the soil.
Do hellebores spread quickly?
They can multiply up to nearly a dozen divided plants and they need to be maintained immediately so that they don't dry out and suffer. It's common for Hellebores to spread quite rapidly in some situations because they pour Hellebore sprouts onto the ground, which are the key to the entire spreading process.
Do hellebores multiply?
A hellebore will yield from two to as many as 10 divided plants. You should plant the divided plants immediately, making sure the roots do not dry out. Plant them in well- prepared soil with good drainage.
Are hellebores invasive?
x hybridus qualifies as invasive, as it's exceptionally seedy, crowding other plants out. This is one plant that should never be planted near a stream where the water can spread its seeds in different directions.
Where is the best place to plant a hellebore?
Grow hellebores at the front of a border in sun, or full or partial shade, depending on the variety you choose. They do best in fertile, well-drained soil, but can also be raised in pots in a loam-based compost.
Do hellebores self seed?
In the garden many Hellebores will self seed and multiply into clumps as in the image top left. Most of the popular varieties of Helleborus are small plants, growing up to around half a metre, suitable for front of the border plant, a woodland settings and as ground cover.
Should you deadhead hellebores?
What is this? Some Hellebore plants have clusters of flowers that sit high above the plants. These stems can get very heavy and “droopy” on well established plants. When the tops of this variety gets too unwieldy, it is a good time to deadhead hellebore, stems and all!
Should hellebores be cut back?
Though hellebores are evergreen, they don't need pruning, and I have several clumps of double-flowered hybrids in my own garden that have never been pruned.” William advises gardeners to wear gloves when pruning their hellebores. “Make sure you are wearing gloves as the sap of the hellebore can irritate the skin.
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.
How big will my hellebores grow?
Plants range in size from about 9 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. Hellebores contain toxic chemicals and this makes them unappealing to deer and other wildlife.
How quickly do hellebores grow?
Expect self-sown plants to flower after three years.
Do hellebores come back every year?
Hellebores are beautiful flowering plants that bloom early in the spring or even late winter. Most varieties of the plant are evergreens, which means last year's growth is still hanging around when the new spring growth appears, and this can sometimes be unsightly.
How long does it take hellebores to grow?
about three yearsHellebores are considered slow-growing plants that can take up to 18 months to reach their mature size of about 12 inches tall by 24 inches wide. Those that are grown from seed can take about three years to reach that point.
How do hellebores propagate?
To recap, hellebore plants can be propagated by seed, division, or micropropagation.
Are hellebores self fertile?
Helleborus flowers are protogynous. This means that the carpels mature before the stamens (the male reproductive organs) do. This sequence encourages cross-pollination, although all hellebores are actually self-fertile. Helleborus flower colours range from green shades, white and yellow, to pink and red hues.
How do you breed hellebores?
In February or March select the plants from which you will breed your hellebore. Choose a 'mother' plant – the one to be pollinated, which will eventually bear the seeds – for its vigour and a good, even flower shape. Choose a 'father' plant – which will supply the pollen – for the colour and shape of its flowers.
Do hellebores come back every year?
Hellebores are quite easy to grow, and since they are perennials, will continue to bloom for a number of years.
Hellebore Care
Hellebores are usually planted from potted nursery specimens, even when purchased from online retailers. Hellebore seeds are available, but they are sold in seed packets that include a mix of colors.
Types of Hellebore
Hellebore is not to be confused with false hellebore ( Veratrum viride). There are many wonderful hellebore varieties, often sold in a mix of colors. More and more hybrids are being offered in single colors. Here are some favorites:
Pruning
The best time to prune hellebore is in late winter or early spring, when new growth begins to appear on your plant. The new growth should appear among the old leaves. When it does, cut away the old growth with sharp pruning shears. Cut the growth as close to the base as possible.
Propagating Hellebore
Hellebores can be propagated by division. The best time to divide is in early spring before they flower. It is easiest to dig the entire plant and shake or wash off the soil so you can see where the buds are on the crown. Make sure each division has at least 2 buds.
Growing Hellebore From Seeds
Hellebore seeds don't remain viable very long. Always start with fresh seed. 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.
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 don't get bothered by many insects, except for aphids. Affected parts can be removed, then spray the plant with horticultural oil or another pesticide.
Lenten Roses, Christmas Roses, Winter Roses, Corsican Hellebores, Green Hellebores, Stinking Roses (Helleborus)
Prized for their abundant winter or early spring blooms and attractive foliage, Hellebores (Helleborus) are invaluable additions to the shade garden and provide gardeners with some of the greatest pleasures in winter.
Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore)
A robust native of Corsica and Sardinia, Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore) is an evergreen perennial with large open clusters of up to thirty, large, nodding, pale green flowers with a central boss of equally green stamens.
Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore)
Unjustly named Stinking Hellebore,Helleborus foetidus provides gardeners with some of the greatest pleasures in winter. This evergreen perennial features large, open clusters of cheerful chartreuse, bell-shaped flowers, edged with dark red. The buds begin to appear in early winter and provide interest as they open slowly over the next three months.
Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
Native to the mountains of southern and central Europe, Helleborus niger, commonly called Christmas Rose, is a winter-blooming evergreen perennial with large, bowl-shaped, glistening white flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with a crown of showy golden-yellow stamens. The sepals slowly fade to green or rosy-pink as they mature.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Roses)
Helleborus orientalis, commonly called Lenten Rose because it blooms during Lent, is native to the dry climates of Greece and Turkey. It is claimed to be the most colorful and floriferous species in the genus.
Planting Hellebores
Lenten rose flowers can last for six to eight weeks, and the plants can re-bloom for years. If you're planting hellebores from containers, gently remove them from their pots and loosen their roots. Don't re-plant too deeply. Bury the crowns just slightly below the soil. Keep children, pets, livestock and other animals away from Lenten roses.
How to Grow Hellebores
Lenten roses need moist soil that drains easily and dappled shade to partial sun. Try them in woodlands, shady borders or under deciduous trees that allow them to get some winter sun. In general, hellebores tolerate a wide range of soils.
Caring for Hellebores
Mature Lenten roses are hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 10. If they're grown in soil amended with good organic matter, they don't usually need commercial fertilizers. However if your soil isn't rich, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when new leaves emerge in late winter.
Hellebore Varieties to Grow
Although it may take a few years, seeds from hybrid hellebores will eventually produce murky-colored flowers. This is because the plants revert to one of the parent forms used to create them. You can simply enjoy whatever you get, or pull up your Lenten roses and replace them.
Pests and Other Problems
Undemanding hellebores are seldom bothered by pests or diseases. If aphids show up, sucking sap from the foliage and causing withering, try an organic control first. If the pests persist, there are systemic insecticides you can use, but be careful not to apply them to open flowers. You don't want to harm visiting bees.
Companion Plants for Hellebores
Make sure the plants you use alongside your hellebores need the same growing conditions: moisture and shade. While some of the companions listed below bloom after hellebore flowers are finished, their leaves provide contrast, texture and additional seasonal interest.
Where to plant Lenten Rose
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When and how to plant Hellebores
Plant Lenten Rose in the spring or the fall so the crown is just below the soil. Make sure not to plant them too deep or they won’t produce as many flowers.
Hellebore care
Once your Lenten Roses are in the ground, there actually isn’t much else you need to do other than water them.
Lenten Rose FAQs
There are a couple of other questions that I get asked often about Hellebores.
Lenten Rose varieties
Once I was converted into a Lenten Rose fan and actually started looking for them, I realized another reason why so many people like them.
Where can you buy Hellebores?
Since Lenten Rose has become very popular, they are a lot easier to find than they used to be.
What Is Hellebore?
Hellebore flowers originated in the Balkan countries, Russia, China and Central Europe. Over the past few decades, the crossing and hybridisation that has taken place have resulted in some truly spectacular colouring and markings on the flowers.
How To Grow Hellebore
If you are considering growing your own hellebore plants, take note of the following tips:
How To Care For Your Hellebore Flowers
Hellebore flowers are fairly easy to care for once established, as long as the conditions are right. These flowers tend to be at their best in moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. During extended dry periods, make sure that you water them well. An established hellebore plant is resistant to drought.
Common Questions on Hellebore Plants
Hellebore flowers are perennials, which means they will continue to bloom for a number of years.
Hellebore Seed Propagation
Beautiful hellebore plants ( Helleborus spp) usually produce seeds in springtime. The seeds grow in seed pods that appear once the blossoms are spent, usually in late spring or early summer.
Planting Hellebore Seeds
To be sure you will be successful with seed grown hellebores, you need to get those seeds into the ground as quickly as possible. In the wild, the seeds are “planted ” as soon as they drop to the ground.
How to Grow Hellebore from Seeds
Hellebores thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. If you already have a plant in your yard, you don’t worry about this. If you will be growing hellebore from seeds and get some from a friend in another region, take note.
Produces Prolific and Verdant Greenery
Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.
How to Grow False Hellebore
To successfully grow false hellebore doesn’t take much in the way of skill or precision. These plants are adaptable to partial shade or full sun and will grow well in a variety of soil types, as long as it is well-draining. What is essential for the growth of false hellebore plants, however, is regular watering.
Light
False hellebore is most frequently found in partial shade, but this plant won’t object to full sun conditions. It’s a prolific grower that can accommodate three to six hours or more of sunlight.
Soil
The best soil for false hellebore plants is well-draining. Other than that, these plants are adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soil conditions—though their lush vegetation and flowering are best supported with rich, humusy soil. These plants are adaptable to varying levels of soil pH and grow in alkaline, neutral, and acidic soil.
Water
Often found next to rivers, streams, or creeks, false hellebore loves water. They grow best in very damp, even wet, soil. So plan to provide plenty of irrigation if you want to see these bright green plants thrive. You can also help them to retain more water by layering mulch around them in the spring.
Temperature and Humidity
False hellebore exhibits hardiness across a range of climates, turning up in areas as diverse as Alaska and Georgia.
Fertilizer
If provided with adequate water and sufficient sunlight, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to fertilize false hellebore. These plants usually draw more fire for prolific spreading rather than under-producing.
