Hellebores love a bit of shade and humus–rich soil that doesn't dry out – the same sort of conditions enjoyed by so many other woodlanders.
But for me, one highlight of the season is that
hellebores finally have their moment in the (wintry) sun.
Anyone venturing to winter open garden events should be on the lookout for
hellebores in flower, bringing colour to herbaceous borders or providing contrast to snowdrops and daffodils in woodland settings.
Although generally speaking
hellebores are not fussy, like most other plants there are still one or two important rules that must be observed.
Shades of
hellebores include white, claret, peach, pink, green, black, slate grey, bi-colours and yellow.
HELLEBORE leaf blotch, which is caused by a fungus.
The Corsican
hellebore Helleborus argutifolius has rich green,marbled foliage with fearsome,jagged teeth along the edges and clusters of 5 cm (2in)pale green bells on strong stems in late winter.
Three
hellebores for pounds 14.95
HELLEBORE Double Queen provides a spectacular wake-up call in the winter garden.
Among the plants and shrubs beating the elements are
Hellebore which flowers in February to April, and rhododendron which, on average, blooms in April or May.
However, it is not a rose at all but a species of
hellebore, Helleborus niger.
To order by credit or debit card call 0844 811 6781, quoting SMH13886, or send a cheque made payable to MGN Ltd, to
Hellebore Niger Offer, SMH13886, Mirror Group Newspapers, Rookery Farm, Joys Bank, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE12 8SG or visit www.mirrorreaderoffers.co.uk/886 Plant supplied as bareroot.