Hellebore 'Double Ellen Red' (Helleborus)

Where to Plant:

This hellebore, with its rich, velvety, deep red double flowers, provides a touch of luxury to the garden in late winter and early spring. It is a woodland plant that thrives in partial or dappled shade, making it ideal for planting under deciduous trees or in the shadow of larger shrubs. It requires a fertile, humus-rich soil that holds moisture but is still well-drained. It will not tolerate waterlogged ground or a position in hot, baking sun.

How to Plant:

You can plant container-grown specimens at any time, but if planting in summer, ensure it is kept well-watered. Dig a hole and generously enrich the soil with well-rotted organic matter like garden compost or leaf mould. Place the plant in the hole, taking great care that the crown, where the roots join the stems, is exactly level with the soil surface. Planting too deeply is a common reason for hellebores to fail. Backfill with the improved soil, firm gently, and water in thoroughly.

Aftercare:

The most important job is to carefully cut off all the old, leathery leaves in late winter, around January or February. This allows the beautiful new flowers to be seen clearly and helps to prevent the spread of fungal diseases like hellebore leaf spot. After the plant has finished flowering in spring, an application of a balanced fertiliser and a mulch of organic matter around the base will set it up for the year ahead.