Hellebores are a low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown without much fuss. They offer stunning beauty from January to May and even when their seed has set, their sepals remain attractive and eventually turn green. Their foliage is striking and evergreen, and some of the newer hybrids have gained popularity for their marbled leaves.
Typically, hellebores are found at the edge of woodlands. They prefer soil that is rich in moisture but don’t do well in boggy or wet conditions. These plants can tolerate full sun to almost full shade and are great additions to naturalistic and informal plantings. They pair perfectly with early flowering spring bulbs, pulmonarias, and evergreen ferns. Hellebores come in a variety of colors ranging from pale apricot to deep black or pure white, and their sepals can be striped, dotted, picotee, single, double, anemone-centered, or plain. These plants have developed successful methods of reproduction.
Although there are fewer pollinators during hellebore bloom time, their flowers carry plenty of nectar and pollen, making them a popular choice among hungry bumblebees. Hellebores have downward-facing flowers that protect the pollen from winter rain and provide a safe haven for accompanying insects while they feed. One of the most enjoyable aspects of growing hellebores is engaging with them by gently twisting each flower open to appreciate its unique beauty.
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