Collection: Hellebore Plants

Yes, hellebores have a few common names, including Christmas Roses, Snow Roses or Lenten Roses, according to what time of year they bloom.

The best time to plant hellebores is in autumn or early spring. This lets them get established before the winter frosts or the heat of summer, although they can be planted at any time of year as long as they ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Hellebores grow best in a partially shaded location in the garden - under trees is their natural environment. Make sure they have a well draining soil with plenty of compost or manure mixed in if your garden soil is a bit depleted or dry. Their preferred soil pH is slightly alkaline but they’ll be happy in anything but the most acidic soils.

Hellebores need regular watering throughout the growing season so that the soil stays consistently moist. Be careful not to overwater though, as they don’t like waterlogged conditions.

Hellebores will do just fine without feeding, but it will give them a boost if you apply a general purpose fertiliser annually in early spring, when fresh growth starts to emerge. Don’t do this in winter or too early in spring though, as the new growth may be damaged by frost.

Once your hellebores have finished flowering, you can trim back the flower stems, which will encourage them to put their energy into new growth rather than producing seeds. Give them a mulch at the same time, to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the ground.

Yes, you can make new hellebores and give your existing plant more space by dividing them in early spring or autumn. Just dig up the clump and divide it into smaller pieces, making sure that each section has healthy roots and shoots attached. Replant the new clumps and water them well until they’re established.

Depending on which variety you choose, you can expect your hellebores to bloom between winter and early spring.