Helleborous

Other common names: Winter Rose, Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose
Botanical name: Helleborus species and hybrids.
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennials
Ideal planting time: Winter
Size: 40-60cm tall and spreading into clumps eventually 60cm wide.
Depth & spacing: Plant 30-60cm apart with the crown (where the leaves and roots meet) at the soil surface.
Aspect: Light to deep shade
Soil: Rich, well draining.
Watering: Keep moist whilst actively growing, especially if the plants receive lots of sun.
Fertilising: These plants appreciate a top dressing of leaf mould, compost or well rotted animal manure.
Flowering time: Winter
Pruning required: Cut back hard in Autumn or Winter.
Comments: These plants may take a year or two to settle in before flowering to their full potential. However, the wait is well worth while. Once established, these plants prefer to be left alone.