Hellebore plants have rose-like blossoms that are among the earliest flowers to bloom. Hellebores used to be the domain of plant collectors. Recent hybridizing has introduced several easy growing, readily available, and much less expensive varieties.
The leaves of Hellebore plants are lobed and often pedate. The flowers resemble roses, in shape. Long blooming, mostly in creamy shades of white, tinged with green and/or pink, the colors tend to change or deepen as they age. There is a lot of hybridizing going on and more colors are becoming available. Flower stems shoot up above the foliage but nod under the weight of the flowers, which tend to bloom face down.
Although they like some moisture, don't let them sit in wet soil for prolonged periods of time or they will rot. Once established, they can handle drier soil.
Hellebores can be propagated by division. The best time to divide is in early spring before they flower. It is easiest to dig the entire plant and shake or wash off the soil, so you can see where the buds are on the crown. Make sure each division has at least 2 buds. (Helleborus foetidus and Helleborus argutifolius do not divide well and are best started from seed.)
