They are prized by gardeners for their ability to flower during the winter and early spring. The plants are surprisingly frost-resistant and many are evergreen, they even grow in shade.
Often called xmas roses they are not related to roses but the flower is similar in shape to wild roses.
Hellebores were once very expensive, they are slow-growing. New propagation and cultivation techniques have allowed us to grow large quantities quickly so you will find that prices will start to drop.
Hellebore make good permanent container plants, providing early long-lasting colour, you can move them in the summer to a shady spot, bring them back out when the new flowers appear.
Hellebore ice breaker. Traditional white xmas rose with taller flower stems
Hellebore seedlings in a greenhouse
Long-lasting winter flowers. Tough plants, frost-resistant and many are evergreen, they even grow in shade, easy to grow. Not a cheap purchase, but they will grow and flower for many years
As an outdoor plant they don’t enjoy being in a warm store and stretch quickly. Buy as soon as they come in. Avoid stretched or yellow-leaved plants, or visit a garden centre or nursery where they will be displayed outside.
What could go wrong
Hellebores are prone to fungal infections, make sure you check any purchases for signs of disease, look for plants displayed in a bright and airy location, with some space around the plants. Plants that are too close and stored in the dark will be more prone to disease.
Hellebores aftercare
They are prized by gardeners for their ability to flower during the winter and early spring. The plants are surprisingly frost-resistant and many are evergreen,…
