Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Ellen Red' (d)

Will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moisture retentive, humus –rich soils that are not prone to staying wet or drying out in summer. Improve lighter soil with organic matter such as garden compost or a manure-based soil conditioner prior to planting and mulch well. Plant in light shade with shelter from strong cold winds. For more advice, see hellebore cultivation.

Remove old leaves to expose the flowers and control hellebore leaf spot in winter before the flowers start appearing. Deadhead by removing the old faded flower stems.

Propagate large clumps by division in early spring or early autumn. Water well until established. Plants propagated by seed may be variable.

May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, slugs and snails.

May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot, hellebore black death, grey mould (botrytis) and virus diseases.