Helleborus Washfield Doubles - Hellebore

Hellebore seeds may require a period of vernalisation (cold storage) in order to germinate. Sow the seeds immediately upon receipt in pots or trays filled with moist compost and cover them with a very fine pinch of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, enclose the trays or pots in a transparent plastic bag and keep them at around 20°C (68°F) for 3 months. Then, place the enclosed container in its bag in a refrigerator for a period of 3 months. After this cold period, return the seedlings to 20°C (68°F). Germination may be slow. Regularly inspect the pots and carefully remove germinating seedlings as they appear, and plant them in 7.5 cm (3in) pots or trays when they are manageable. If germination has not occurred during this period, repeat the cold period/warm period cycle as indicated above.

Another germination method is as follows: enclose the seedling in a transparent plastic bag and place it in a cold frame in a sheltered area of the garden. Regularly check the moisture level of the compost, which should not dry out. Germination may take up to a year. The recommended methods for germinating seeds of this particular variety actually simulate the way seeds germinate in natural conditions. By following these instructions, you should achieve a good germination rate.

Gradually acclimatise the young plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting them, after all risk of frost, with a spacing of 45cm (18in) between each plant. Plant hybrid hellebores in a damp, humus-rich, fertile, and well-drained soil, in non-burning sun or partial shade. Avoid moving an established hellebore.

The roots should not completely dry out in summer. Hellebores can be affected by a fungal disease transmitted by aphids, called black spot disease. Remove old leaves from deciduous species or stained leaves from evergreen species when the flower buds appear. Remove faded flowers after seed drop. They can also suffer from grey rot or die from collar rot. This often occurs due to poor growing conditions, in excessively humid situations.

On a balcony or patio, plant them in pots 4 to 5 times larger than they are, as they need space to develop their root system. Very hardy, most hellebores can withstand negative temperatures of up to -15°C (5°F) without suffering.