Helleborus x hybridus 'Hillier hybrids slate'

Autumn - late · Outdoors

Apply mulch

Spread organic material around the plant being careful not to bury its crown, or to put the mulch above the point at which the plant has been grafted in the case of trees.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.

Spring · Outdoors

Feed with rotted manure

Give the plant a good feed with well rotted manure. Be careful not to bury the plant base, especially where it may have been grafted. Spread the manure around the root area, but not over its crown.

Rotted manure is often used for plants that are termed 'hungry feeders'. It provides them with a nutrient boost which should benefit flower production.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring · Planting

Remove leaves to show flowers

The old hellebore leaves can be removed to display the flowers better. As buds open, carefully cut off old leaves to the base being careful not to cut off young foliage or flower buds.

This trimming is not applied to the forms with ornamental foliage such as 'x sternii', "ericsmithii" or the Helleborus niger forms. It is generally used for the hybrid forms where the leaves seriously detract from the floral show.