Winter Roses
- Botanical Name
- Helleborus x hybridus.
- Christmas
- H. niger.
- Corsican
- H. x sternii.
- Hercegovinus
- H. multifidus subsp. hercegovinus.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type
- Evergreen perennial
- Size (HxW)
- 30-50cm x 30-50cm. Hercegovinus: 25-45cm x 25-45cm.
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant at the same level as in the pot with the roots spread evenly below the soil surface. Plant 25-50cm apart.
- Soil
- Humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal. Dig through some rotted compost or leaf matter if you really want to spoil them.
- Aspect
- Semi shade to full shade. Flowers will be better in semi shade/bright light. Too much sun and the leaves will scorch, too much shade and you won’t see blooms.
- Climate
- Cool to Mediterranean
- Frost
- Hardy
- Water
- Water to establish, it will take around four weeks for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil and they should be regularly watered until then. Once established they become dry tolerant.
- Fertiliser
- Add a top dressing of leaf mould, compost and a well balanced fertiliser in spring and autumn. If below deciduous trees nature should take care of this for you! A nice sprinkling of lime is also appreciated.
- Flowering Time
- Winter to spring
- After Flower Care
- Cut off any untidy or dying leaves and flowers. The flowers will naturally set seed, the plants are easily shared, or can be left to naturalise and they will gradually form a nice colony.
- Notes
- An annual pruning of all the old leaves in autumn will encourage new healthy leaves and enable the flowers to shine. These plants may not flower in the first year, but once established they prefer to be left alone which makes them ideal for busy gardeners.
They are troubled very little by pest and disease. Powdery mildew may occur if there is poor air flow or too much humidity. Treat with a spray, ideally a natural option.
