Known as the 'winter rose', hellebores are winter gems in the flower garden. They thrive on neglect over the summer months and reward you with an abundance of gorgeous blooms over winter and spring.
Available in a variety of colours, they provide a wonderful array of colour that can be picked for your vase. Check out what is on offer at your local garden centre and try to buy in flower so you know which blooms you will enjoy.
3 steps to growing HELLEBORES
prepare
Hardy hellebores are cold and frost tolerant and prefer a nice shady spot with good drainage and fertile soil.
Under a tree or shrub is the perfect planting spot for this perennial flower. They can be grown in full sun, however the leaf edges will turn brown with increased heat. Hellebores look lovely in native gardens and will happily grow in containers, where they can be moved around to protect from the sun as needed.
The large, glossy, green leaves come up each season and die back leaving the flower stems on show in winter.
Blend in with spring bulbs for an extra stunning display. Their low habit means they are well suited to planting alongside bulbs which push their flower stems up through and around hellebores.
Flower colours vary from creamy whites through to purples, pinks and apricots. Some favourite varieties to look out for are Ivory Prince, Marlon, Oliva's Joy, Charmer, Ice N' Rose, Ruby Daydream, Ice Queen, Illumi Lime for something a bit different, and Spectrum Double for a double flowering show.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your hellebore plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your hellebore plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your hellebores and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed hellebores with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser in spring and autumn to encourage healthy growth and optimum flowering.
A well watered, well nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your hellebores are growing regularly apply Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost. As a plant tonic this can be applied between feedings.
Lay Tui Quash to deter slugs and snails from munching on the leaves.
Prune back old and dead leaves in autumn.