About
Helleborus
Hellebores are very hardy and although most species will
grow and
thrive in Zones 4 through 9, we are not sure how well they would
tolerate Zone 3 or Zone 10. They prefer to grow in partially shaded
gardens in warmer parts of the country, and do well on hillsides or
sloping
areas. When planting outside we recommend preparing the area beforehand
if possible and improving drainage if needed. The plants also grow and
display their flowers well in raised beds as long as the beds are deep
enough to allow for at least eighteen inches (18”) of soil for rooting
area. Helleborus xhybridus,
true H. orientalis, H. niger, H.
xnigercors, H. xericsmithii,
and H. foetidus,
are evergreen, while H. argutifolius,
H. lividus (tender), H. xsternii
are
evergreen in warmer climates, but foliage can die back to ground level
in
colder areas. H. multifidus, H.
purpurascens, H. viridis,
H. odorus, H. atrorubens, H.
dumetorum,
H. cyclophyllusH. torquatus and H. croaticus are considered
deciduous, although in some garden situations these may retain some
foliage. In
some
areas (our Zone 7 garden among them) H.
purpurascens and some strains
of
H. multifidus begin going
dormant early, in August or September. We
feel this is due to our very hot summers, although we have no
scientific proof of this theory. Withholding food and water during this
time
can reduce
blooms in winter. When the nights begin to cool off a bit, in
late
August or early September, H.
xhybridus plants begin to put on new leaves and seem
to
experience a growth spurt. We recommend cutting off flowers after
seeds
have ripened, and the old leaves of the evergreen species
just
before the flowers appear in winter to better appreciate the beautiful
blooms
