Hellebores (Helleborus) are elegant, long-lived perennials that provide vital early-season colour, flowering from late winter into spring when little else is in bloom. Preferring partial to full shade and a moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, they’re ideal for woodland borders, underplanting shrubs, or naturalistic planting schemes. Their leathery, evergreen foliage prpvide year-round interest. Their nodding blooms, ranging from soft pastels to deep, moody tones, are a valuable early source of nectar for pollinators.

Although they do well in in shade, they can also grow in full sun, providing the area isn't too dry and the soil is rich. They look wonderful planted among spring bulbs such as crocus and narcissi. Fully hardy and low maintenance, Hellebores are dependable performers that bring structure and interest to shaded parts of the garden year-round. Once established, they don't require much attention and will flower effortlessly every year, they will need initial care while they're settling in. Here's how to get them off to the best start...

How to plant

— Hellebore plants are shipped in autumn at the perfect time for planting. They will need water and light after their journey, so unpack them starigth away and sit the root ball in a dish of water in a bright place. Plant as soon as possible after delivery (ideally within a week). Helleborus plants are supplied as 9cm root balls, like a potted plant with soil held together by the roots.

— Root ball plants can in some cases be planted directly into a clear space in borders, this depends on soil type, moisture levels and whether there are neighbouring plants which will compete. Root ball Hellebores can settle in well to rich, crumbly soil and prefer moist conditions. If you're planting directly into a border, be careful to avoid any space which is close to more established plants which could over-crowd them during the growing season.

— If you have a heavy soil type like clay, they may not settle in well, although they should thrive eventually. Where the soil type is more challenging, such as heavy clay or very light soils which dry out quickly, you should pot up your rootball plant and grow it on in a pot until it's more established. Plant on arrival into 15-20cm pots with multipurpose compost. Grow-on in a sheltered, partially shaded part of the garden until they are a little more established before transplanting into the ground. They will be ready to transfer into the garden when the plant comes out of the pot with the compost held together by the roots.

— Plant so that the root system/root ball is fully submerged in the soil, leaving the top growth exposed above the soil surface. If planting root ball plants directly into a border, choose a partially shaded position with rich, cultivated soil and space the plants 15-20cm apart if planting in groups. Add multipurpose compost to each planting hole to help the new roots grow.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly whenever the soil feels dry below around 3-5cm from the surface. There is no need to water if the soil feels damp already. You should water regularly, particularly in the first year during spring and summer while the plant is settling in.

— When transplanting potted Hellebores into borders, choose a position in light or dappled shade, in a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a sunnier spot providing the soil doesn't completely dry out.

Aftercare:

— Hellebores normally take 2-3 years to form a mature clump. It may produce some flowers in the first year, but will flower more profusely from the second year onwards.

— New foliage emerges in spring, with flowers appearing from late winter into spring. During summer and autumn, some leaves will naturally become untidy. Any leaves which are turning brown or black can be removed. Many gardeners remove all of the leaves in autumn or winter to allow for the plant to have a fresh start for the new season, starting with flowers in winter/early spring, followed by lush new foliage which lasts through the summer. However, it is not recommended to remove all of the leaves on a new young plant soon after planting, only the leaves which have died back natuallya llowing any green leaves to remain.

— This perennial is fully hardy and does not require winter protection. However, plants potted in autumn will benefit from some shelter from heavy winter rainfall in their first year.

— After flowering, remove stems and old or damaged leaves which are resting on the soil - this tidies the plant and improve airflow, helping to prevent disease.

— Hellebores remain evergreen or semi-evergreen, with new foliage continuing to develop through the growing season. Some leaves may die back after flowering in late spring and early summer.

— Space plants around 30–40cm apart. Over time, Hellebores will form dense clumps that can be divided in autumn if needed.

— Prefers rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Mulch in summer to keep roots cool and moist.