Hellebores flower in the depths of winter, when almost nothing else in the garden dares to.
Hellebores flower in the depths of winter when little else is blooming, and their main care need is cosmetic — cutting back old, tatty leaves before flowering shows off the blooms and reduces leaf spot disease. Established clumps resent disturbance, so they’re best left alone until genuinely overcrowded.
Sowing & growing calendar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job | Job in January | Job in February | Job in April |
Care details
- Job January – February
Cut back old, tatty leaves to the base before flowers open — it shows off the blooms and cuts down on leaf spot disease.
- Job In April
Mulch after flowering; established clumps resent disturbance, so leave dividing until they’re truly overcrowded.
Growing tips & common problems
- Cut back old, tatty leaves to the base just before flowers open, to show off the blooms and reduce leaf spot.
- Leave established clumps well alone — they resent disturbance and can sulk for a season or two after being moved.
- Look closely for flowers even on established plants in midwinter — many varieties nod downward and are easy to miss.
Grows well with
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