Perennial – Hellebore

Hellebore 

 Botanical name: helleborus niger

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: grows 4 inches – 1 ft in height with a spread of 1-1.5 ft 

Bloom time:  early spring, fall, winter 

Hardy zone:  zones 4-9

Flower color: white, pink, green 

Foliage color:  green

Growth rate:  can reach fully mature size in first growing season 

Pruning instructions: deadhead spent blooms and wilted foliage year-round as needed 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the spring and summer months 

Landscape use:  winter interest, shade gardens, flower gardens, container plant, borders 

Light needs:  3-5 hours of sun per day 

Special features: disease resistant, long blooming periods 

Watering instructions: allow the top few inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring while flowers are beginning to form 

Best time to plant:  spring, fall, winter

Best type of soil: sand or loam 

Companion plants: ferns, hostas, coral bells, camellias 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: yes