Cultivation of Hellebores

Hellebores are easy to raise and grow but like most garden plants require conditions, which suit them most to give a good account of themselves. Generally speaking they are tough and resilient plants and are at home in neutral or alkaline soil although they will grow in acid soils provided a little lime is added to it. They resent waterlogged sites and appreciate well-drained, moist soil. In general, hellebores fall into two groups, namely sun lovers and shade lovers. H. argutifolious, H. lividus and H. × sternii prefer sun and well-drained soil and are tolerant of some summer drought. Others thrive in partial shade.

Although the plants may not require a great deal of attention during the year, it is important to mulch them every autumn - richer the mulch, the better. Furthermore, as a precaution against the spread of black spot disease, it is advisable to remove most of the old foliage of H. hybridus plants and of many other species, either at the time of mulching or before the end of November.

Deadhead after flowering - unless seed is required - to prevent self-seeding.

Hellebores in Containers

Most hellebores are suited to container culture. In fact, some species such as H. lividus, H. vesicarius are best-grown in large terracotta pots so that they can be moved, and given protection from autumn/winter frost. H. × ballardiae, H. × ericsmithii and H. × sternii also make splendid pot plants. On the other hand, H. hybridus and other species with extensive root system are not very successful in containers.

Propagation of Hellebores

Hellebores can be propagated by division or by seed. Plants resulting from division (asexual or vegetative method) will be identical to the parent plant while those raised from seed (sexual method) may or may not be similar.

Simple Division:
Refrain from detaching pieces from the edge of the hellebore clump because this leaves the oldest, weakest and tired growth at the centre. Dig up the entire clump with as much root and soil as possible and proceed to split the plant into smaller pieces. An ideal division should have plenty of young roots, two strong shoots and some older leaves. The best time to divide the Lenten roses, H. hybridus and the hybrids with H. niger e.g. H. × nigercors and H. × ericsmithii, is in late summer and early autumn (towards the end of August or beginning of September in Britain and Ireland). Early spring is recommended for the Christmas rose, H. niger, H. torquatus and H. atrorubens. Species such as H. argutifolius, H. lividus, H. × sternii and H. foetidus are not good subjects for propagation by division. They are short-lived plants and tend to resent disturbance or disruption.

From Seed:
For best results collect and sow ripened seeds in pots in midsummer and no later than late summer.

Beware! Hellebores are poisonous plants

Although the 15th century herbalist John Gerard stated that the hellebore was a good cure for 'mad and furious men', hellebores are poisonous. Symptoms of hellebore poisoning include vomiting, delirium, convulsions and occasionally death.

For more information on hellebores see the recommended reading list.