Hellebore 'Double Ellen Pink' (Helleborus)

Where to Plant:

A classic and beautiful variety, 'Double Ellen Pink' produces gorgeous, fully double, clear pink flowers that bring colour to the garden when little else is stirring. It is a woodland plant that needs a position in partial shade, out of the strong summer sun. It is perfect for underplanting shrubs, growing in a shady border, or in a woodland garden scheme. It performs best in a moist but well-drained soil that has been enriched with plenty of organic matter.

How to Plant:

Plant pot-grown specimens at any time, but ensure they are kept well-watered if planting in summer. Dig a generous hole and mix in a good amount of garden compost or other well-rotted organic material to improve the soil structure and fertility. Place the plant in the hole so that its crown sits level with the surrounding soil. Do not bury the crown, as this can lead to rot. Firm the soil back around the plant and water it in well.

Aftercare:

The main annual task is to remove the old, leathery foliage in late winter, just as the new flower buds are beginning to emerge from the ground. Cut the old leaf stalks right back to the base. This simple action exposes the flowers in all their glory and reduces the risk of disease. A feed in spring after flowering, along with a mulch of leaf mould to conserve moisture, will keep the plant healthy and vigorous.