Hellebores

One of the most attractive plants which delight the August-September garden is Hellebores. Hellebores orientalis is the best variety in the Illawarra. Some new cultivars are showing promise and are worth keeping an eye out for. They come in shades of pink, plum, green and white. New shades are appearing of red, yellow, deep green, and almost black. There are also double forms.

Hellebores will flower for 2-3 months with flowers fading to green-coppery tones, or smoky purples until the seeds form.

Growing

Grow in an alkaline soil. Add lime or spent mushroom compost. A shady position is preferred but they will tolerate some dappled sun. Seeds will drop mid-summer. In February cut back the leathery leaves so the new fresh green foliage can show through.

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