Harvington Hellebore

Helleborus x hybridus Harvington Red

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
  
  

  Nodding or outward-facing, saucer-shaped, flowers open in February in varying shades from deep pink to clear red. The flowers last for up to 3 months and the handsome evergreen foliage is leathery, deeply cut and dark green. One of the earliest flowering plants, lenten roses have most impact planted in groups at the front of a partially shady mixed border where they can be seen through windows in winter. Or try them as ground cover beneath deciduous shrubs or among spring-flowering bulbs. In former times, hellebores were planted close to cottage doors to prevent evil spirits from crossing the threshold.

• Garden care: A top tip from the Crocus crew is to cut back the old leaves to the ground in January or February. This will show off the emerging flowers to best effect and it also helps to get rid of foliar diseases such as hellebore leaf spot. When planting, add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.

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