How to Sow
Hellebores prefer moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial shade. Dont try to grow hellebores in sites that receive deep year-round shade or full sun in summer. For extra-early bloom, choose a spot that is protected from wind with a southern exposure.
How to Grow
Provide plants with extra water in hot, dry summer weather; otherwise, the leaves may burn. It is easy to care for established hellebores, but they appreciate a sping top-dressing of compost. Keep leaves and mulch off the plants in fall if they are in danger of being smothered. Hellebores seldom need to be divided and often self-sow, providing dozens of seedlings that can be transplanted.
Harvesting
Hellebores are excellent specimen plants for woodland gardens and are valuable for adding winter interest to borders. They make good edgings and can be attractive landscape accents when planted in groups. Hellebores add welcome color to spring shade gardens and make fine companions for hostas, ferns, lungworts, epimediums, wild blue phlox, and other shade lovers. Theyre also good companions for drifts of little bulbs, but they can be combined with larger spring bulbs such as daffodils or tulips. Site them along pathways or outside windows so you can enjoy the flowers if it is too early to work in the garden.