Hellebores (also known as the Winter Rose) are perennial plants with elegant flowers, perfect for brightening up shady areas during late winter and early spring. They are quick to establish and very easy to care for.
Hellebores prefer to grow in rich well-drained soil in full to part shade and whilst they are shade lovers most do better with a little sun, under the canopy of a deciduous tree or shrub is an ideal location. They need soil that is rich in organic matter similar to the environment of a forest floor, so dig in a good organic compost to your planting location beforehand. Feed with a slow release fertiliser such as Tui Novatec Premium Fertiliser in late autumn and in spring.
If plants become overgrown divide and replant them in new locations in spring just after they have finished flowering and pick off brown or dried flower heads as needed.
In the last few years some amazing new colour has come on the market, Angel Glow, Jacob, Anna’s Red, Ruby Glow, Molly’s White and Penny’s Pink are just some of the latest varieties and you can find out more about them below:
