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I am enjoying a winter writing sabbatical. Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Angela Mason Foster will continue to sit in for me the rest of January.

Hellebores, commonly known as Lenten Roses, are among the most beloved winter-blooming perennials for their resilience and delicate beauty. These hardy plants bring life to the garden during the colder months, typically blooming from January through early spring. Proper care during this time ensures vibrant blooms and healthy foliage year-round. Here’s how to keep your hellebores thriving during January and February.

Understanding Hellebores
Hellebores are part of the Ranunculaceae family, native to Europe and Asia. They come in various colors, including shades of white, pink, purple, and even green. Known for their durability, hellebores can withstand cold temperatures and often flower in the midst of frost and snow.

Their flowers, technically sepals, provide a long-lasting display while the actual petals form a small nectary. These sepals don’t wilt quickly, making hellebores a wonderful addition to any winter landscape. Their evergreen foliage remains lush year-round, adding texture and greenery when other plants are dormant.

Winter care tips
1. Site maintenance
Weed removal: Clear weeds and debris around your hellebores to reduce competition for nutrients and minimize pests and diseases.
Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves or bark to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Keep mulch two-three inches away from the crown to prevent rot. In colder regions, mulching insulates roots against frost.
2. Foliage management
Remove damaged leaves: Trim old or diseased foliage in January to improve appearance and reduce fungal infection risks like black spot.
Careful pruning: Cut leaves close to the ground without harming flower buds. This promotes fresh foliage and enhances air circulation.
3. Watering needs
While drought-tolerant, hellebores benefit from consistent moisture during dry winters. Check soil weekly, especially if there’s no snow or rainfall, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
4. Fertilization
Use a slow-release fertilizer high in potassium in late winter or early spring to encourage flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
5. Protection from pests
Deer and rabbits: These plants are generally resistant, but young plants may need protection. Use wildlife deterrent sprays if necessary.
Slugs and snails: Protect new growth with organic slug pellets or barriers like crushed eggshells. Good air circulation also deters pests.
6. Preventing frost damage

While frost-hardy, extreme weather can affect blooms. Cover plants with horticultural fleece or an old sheet during heavy frost or freezing rain. Remove damaged blooms to encourage fresh growth.

Companion planting
Hellebores pair beautifully with other winter-interest plants like snowdrops, heucheras, or early-blooming bulbs like crocuses. Grouping them under deciduous trees or along shaded borders creates a woodland effect.
Their evergreen foliage provides attractive ground cover in summer, adding texture when other plants bloom. For a visually appealing winter garden, combine hellebores with variegated shrubs or evergreens for contrasting colors and textures.

Post-winter care
As February transitions to March, monitor plants for pests and diseases. Continue light pruning to remove lingering old foliage. Dividing mature hellebores can rejuvenate the plant and expand your collection.
How to divide: Dig up the clump after flowering, divide it into sections with healthy roots, and replant each section at the original depth. Water thoroughly to help the roots establish.
Dividing hellebores every three-five years prevents overcrowding and keeps plants vigorous. It’s also a great opportunity to share divisions with friends or fellow gardeners.

Suggested Reading
“Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide” by C. Colston Burrell and Judith Knott Tyler
Offers an in-depth look at hellebore species, hybridization, and cultivation techniques.
“The Winter Garden” by Val Bourne
A practical guide to creating vibrant winter landscapes, with sections on hellebores and other winter-blooming perennials.
“Perennials for Every Purpose” by Larry Hodgson
Provides insights into selecting and caring for perennials, including hellebores, to enhance your garden year-round.

Conclusion
Hellebores are a gardener’s winter jewel, providing color and interest when most plants lie dormant. With thoughtful care in January and February, these hardy perennials will reward you with stunning blooms and healthy growth. By following these tips and exploring suggested readings, you’ll be well-equipped to nurture these beautiful plants and enjoy their year-round charm.

If you have gardening questions, contact Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for The Plant of the Week and Finding Info Friday.