Hellebore

Helleborus · Ranunculaceae

Winter to spring flowers for shade

Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Guv's tipHellebores are toxic to pets and people if eaten, and the sap may irritate skin. Cut back the old leaves in late winter or early spring.

Through the year

Autumn to spring is best (Apr-Jul in some advice)

Flowers late winter to spring

Cut back old leaves of H. × hybridus in late winter or early spring

Division in early autumn, seed

Pest

Look for: Brownish-black blotch mines that become winding tunnels, mainly on Helleborus foetidus

What to do: Remove damaged leaves in winter

Pest

Look for: Colonies of small green/black insects on shoot tips, sticky honeydew, distorted leaves

What to do: Squash or wash off, encourage ladybirds and other predators; insecticidal soap if severe

Disease

Microsphaeropsis hellebori

Look for: Brown/black spots on leaves and stems

What to do: Remove and dispose of affected leaves

Disease

Helleborus net necrosis virus

Look for: Black streaks and netting on leaves and flowers

What to do: Destroy affected plants; control aphids

Always read and follow the label on any treatment, and check it is approved for use where you live.

Pets and people: Toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people if eaten (cardiac glycosides), according to the ASPCA. Sap may irritate skin

Weed risk: None known

Checked against two or more reputable gardening sources. How we check our facts

Keep it by the back door

Printable pest and disease charts with real photographs, and all 50 UK plants in one book.