Hellebores are small, hardy and evergreen perennials ranging in height from 30 to 70 cm. They are unique and beautiful plants with decorative, leathery, dark green leaves. They have an unusual flowering period as they bloom from December to May, depending on the species. Their flowers, single or double, come in white, pink, dark red, yellow, and even green. They can also be bi-coloured. They look beautiful planted in combinations, in rock gardens, containers, or pots on terraces and balconies.
Hellebores like sheltered, shady areas protected from the wind. They thrive when planted under trees or near other shrubs. They require moist, lime-rich fertile soil enriched with manure or compost. They like moist soil, so during dry summers, they need to be watered regularly in order to form flower buds and result in abundant flowering in late autumn and winter.
Hellebores do not have high fertilization requirements. Plants growing in fertile soil only need to be fertilized once a year with slow-release multi-nutrient fertilizer, compost, or manure. The first dose should be given in early spring after the flowering period, and the second dose at the end of summer when the first buds of autumn flowers appear on the stems.
Hellebores do not require many maintenance procedures. before the flowering period when new flower buds appear, remove the old leaves to reveal new shoots, and after the flowering period it is worth cutting out the withered inflorescences, which will minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Most maintenance should be done with gloves, because the sap secreted by hellebores is highly irritating and the plant itself is poisonous.
Hellebores are sometimes attacked by pests such as aphids or snails. In order to deter pests, sprinkle; diatomaceous earth around plants as a barrier to prevent snails..