What is the problem with hellebore leaves?
Hellebore leaf spot is caused by the fungus Microsphaeropsis hellebori. You are most likely to see infections when new plant growth is occurring from late winter until summer. The disease affects most Helleborus species and hybrids. Helleborus niger can be particularly badly affected by leaf spot. Hellebore leaf spot spreads quickly in winter if affected leaves are left on the plant. Look out for brown blotches on the leaves and flowers. This fungal disease is common and the best control is to remove all the old foliage. The leaves will be looking pretty scruffy at this time of year anyway.Wilting leaves often signal water stress in hellebores. Symptoms include drooping leaves and dry soil, indicating either inadequate watering or overwatering. Inadequate watering can leave the plant thirsty, while overwatering suffocates roots.
What problems do hellebores have?
They have few problems, but in our climate they can be subject to botrytis, a fungal disease. If dark spots appear on last year’s leaves, cut them off at ground level in December or January to prevent infecting the emerging flowers. Once established in a good area, hellebores do not want to be divided or moved. Hellebore Pruning Tips Remove dead or diseased foliage at any time of the year. Don’t remove the hellebore’s evergreen leaves in autumn. Cut back tattered leaves from early winter to early spring.Hellebores require a little routine maintenance. If you have time, I think Hellebores do best with the old foliage removed in late winter. Removal of most or all of the foliage displays the flowers at their best, leaving just the new, young foliage coming through.I firmly believe that one of the most useful things you can do is to cut off last year’s foliage at the end of the season as this prevents hellebore leaf spot disease being carried through the winter on the leaves and infecting the flowers.Removing old leaves in late winter or early spring also helps new growth and flowers show clearly. Jan/Feb is a great time to tidy your Hellebores. Improve the display of blooms and prevent damage.
What are some companion plants for hellebores?
Hellebores fit so gracefully into the landscape. Some of mine help fill the space at the bases of leggy deciduous shrubs and small trees like my dwarf almond. They coexist beautifully with companion plants like wild violets, setcreasea, artemisia, irises and spring bulbs. In Christian legend, the plant is associated with the story of a young girl who had no gift to bring the Christ child. As she wept, an angel caused hellebore to bloom in the snow, offering her a gift of natural beauty. Yet, its poisonous nature reminds us that beauty can have a hidden edge.