Species hellebore
Helleborus odorus; greenish white, saucer-like flower with creamy stamens, light green stems and toothed leaves

hellebore

Helleborus odorus

Hellebore (Helleborus odorus) is a beautiful evergreen perennial that brings delicate shades of pink to your garden. Blossoming in the early spring, the nodding, saucer-shaped flowers have a subtle sweet scent and are followed by attractive seedpods. These plants feature glossy, dark green leathery leaves, with finely-toothed margins and hairy undersides. The tall and upright stems of hellebore are perennial in zones 4 to 8, making them a popular choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens. They tolerate both sun and shade, but need well-draining soil to ensure that their roots remain healthy.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Dark green to apple-green to yellow-green Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Hellebores prefer evenly moist soils, but they are surprisingly drought tolerant once established. During the growing season (spring to summer), water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to monthly intervals or when the soil becomes completely dry. An occasional misting during the winter months will help to keep the plant healthy. Water your hellebore at the base of the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

sunlight

Hellebore plants prefer indirect and bright light, but can also thrive in some shade during the hottest hours of the day. They should generally receive between 4 and 6 hours of sunlight every day. Ideally, the hellebore should be placed in an east-facing window that gets morning sun, as this will help the plant to flower during its bloom period in the winter and spring months. In warmer climates, the hellebore plants may benefit from some additional shade during the hottest hours, especially in summer, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

pruning

Hellebore should be pruned once a year in early spring, before the new growth begins. Prune off any dead or damaged foliage or stems, as well as any flower spikes that have already bloomed. Care should be taken to avoid cutting into the old wood, as this can harm the shrub or even kill it. The amount to prune depends on the size of the shrub, but it’s usually no more than a quarter of the total foliage and stems. This regular pruning will help to keep the hellebore vigorous and healthy, and ensure an abundance of flowers in the future.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hellebore typically start flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between January and March.

Starts Flowering

Hellebore typically start flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between January and March.

Hardiness Map