How to Care for Helleborus
Download the PDF version
Helleborus care
Helleborus are long-lived, evergreen perennials native to central and southern Europe, where they grow in poor soils in mountainous regions. These plants are very tough, need little care once established and are hardy from zones 4-9.
Planted in the right spot, they are a beautiful addition to your garden. Helleborus are deer resistant, and all parts of the plant are poisonous, so take care to keep children and pets away.
Light requirements
Place your hellebore in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a north or east facing window works well. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers. If light levels are low, consider supplementing with a grow light to ensure healthy growth.
When to plant
Plant your hellebores in the spring, being mindful of late spring frost. If you need to wait until the danger of frost has passed, your plants can be kept in a cool environment, such as a garage or basement, for several weeks.
How to fertilize
Feed your hellebore with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over fertilizing, as hellebores prefer a leaner soil environment.
How to prune
Remove faded flowers and yellowing leaves promptly to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth. Trim any damaged or diseased leaves as needed.
Leaves
Lenten roses, a common name for some helleborus species, should have all their leaves removed before the plant starts to flower in December and January (when budding stems are approximately 10 cm in height). The old, brown leaves of Christmas roses and snow roses should be removed in the spring and summer.
Frequently asked questions
Do helleborus spread?
Yes, helleborus will self-sow. However, allowing them to do so may result in unexpected hybrids if you grow multiple types in close proximity. Thin out any new seedlings that are too close to mature plants and expect self-sown plants to flower after three years.
Do helleborus need to be divided?
It's not usually necessary for the health of the plant, but if you wish to divide them, this is best done in fall. Helleborus can be fussy about being dug up and moved, so it's generally just best to leave them be.