Hellebores – The Winter Wonder Plant

There are plenty of plants that provide winter interest, but there are few that are as varied and reliable as Hellebores. They are evergreen perennials with winter and early spring long-lasting flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, green, and even dark maroon and black. Unlike most plants, which lie dormant during the winter months, Hellebores ignore cold weather and bring much-admired colour.

Hellebores prefer dappled shade. Their glossy, deeply-lobed dark green and rich foliage will thrive in usually difficult places such as woodland, shady borders, or under trees. They are also wonderful pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies for their nectar; however, being toxic, they are not nibbled at by rabbits and deer.

Helleborus Niger is known as the Christmas rose, as it is among the earliest to flower. Their snow-white flowers provide a wonderful contrast with the dark green leaves. Where these leaves are too prolific, remove some to make the flowers more visible. Also, remove any marked or diseased foliage during the year.

The Orientalis species are known as the Lenten rose, as they flower during the period of Lent. They have a wide range of colours, which can continue for many weeks from midwinter into April. Their plentiful varieties include double flowers, speckled petals, and many different leaf forms. Frostkiss is again hardy, long-flowering, and has stand-out marbled foliage all year round.

Hellebores can successfully be grown in pots as well as borders. Give them plenty of gritty soil to prevent waterlogging, and they will reward you with their colourful display.

David Hogg
Buckland Nurseries