hellebore [SP Conny]

Will tolerate a wide range of conditions, but does best in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich but well-drained soil which is preferably heavy, and neutral or alkaline, in a position with shelter from strong, cold winds and in dappled shade, mulched every autumn with leaf mould, chipped bark or other organic matter; for more advice, see hellebore cultivation

Remove old leaves to help prevent hellebore leaf spot, and deadhead by removing old faded flower stems

Propagate by division of large clumps in early spring, watering well until they are established

May be affected by slugs, snails, hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner, chafers, vine weevil and mice

May be affected by hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, downy mildews, grey moulds (botrytis), smuts, and virus diseases