Hellebore 'Double Ellen White' (Helleborus)

Where to Plant:

This elegant hellebore, with its pristine, fully double pure white flowers, is a classic choice for bringing light to shaded areas during the winter and spring. It is a woodland plant at heart and thrives in a position of partial or dappled shade, such as beneath the canopy of deciduous trees or larger shrubs. It requires a fertile, humus-rich soil that remains moist but is well-drained, especially in winter. A neutral to alkaline soil is preferred.

How to Plant:

You can plant container-grown specimens at any time of year, but ensure they are watered regularly if planting in the summer. Dig a generous hole and enrich the existing soil by mixing in plenty of well-rotted organic matter like garden compost or leaf mould. Place the plant in the hole, taking care that the crown, where the roots meet the stems, is exactly level with the soil surface. Planting too deeply is a common cause of poor flowering. Backfill the hole, firm gently, and water in well.

Aftercare:

The most important annual job is to carefully remove all the old, large leaves in late winter, around January or February. Cut the leaf stalks right back to the base of the plant. This makes the beautiful emerging flowers much more visible and helps to prevent fungal diseases by improving air circulation. After the plant has finished flowering in spring, apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser and a mulch of organic matter around the base to conserve moisture.