Veseys

Plant Hellebores in light to full shade with rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Planting under deciduous trees (Maples, birches, etc.) is ideal since it will provide winter sun and summer shade. A sheltered site protected from winter winds keeps the foliage looking its best. Once planted, they are best left undisturbed and thrive for years without needing division. Established clumps spread from about 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Add lots of organic matter and some bone meal into the soil before planting. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil is best, so add lime to acidic soil. Plant in large holes, at least 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide, with 1" of soil above the point where the roots break from the crown of the plant. Fertilize with slow release fertilizer in spring. Mulch in fall with compost or aged manure and remove old leaves after new shoots appear. Keep well watered during dry spells. Watch out for slug or snail damage. Hellebores will often self-seed and you can easily move young seedlings to a permanent location. The seedlings tend to vary a lot and you may get many different colors and plant forms. Seedlings should flower in 2-3 years. May take several years to become established enough to bloom after being planted or moved. In cold, windy areas it is recommended that you provide winter protection. A mulch of evergreen boughs or a windbreak of burlap will help protect your plants during the winter.

H. orientalis, Lenten Rose.. Also listed as H.X hybridus. Grows 12-16" high and blooms in shades of cream, greenish white, white, purple, or mauve in early spring. Can be divided in spring before new growth emerges, make sure each division is quite large. Hardy in Zones 4-9.

H. niger, Christmas Rose. Grows 12" tall and produces white flowers very early, in late winter or early spring, before other Hellebores. Divide in early spring after it has flowered. Hardy in Zones 4-8.

H. argutifolius, Corsican Hellebore. Grows to 3 feet high and produces apple-green flowers in early spring. Does not divide easily. Hardy in Zones 6-9.