How to Propagate and Grow
Helleborus

Family: Ranunculaceae

Species: H. orientalis

Common Names: Hellebore, Lenten rose.

Classification: Perennial.

Height: 50cm (20inches).

Flowering: From early winter through to end of spring.

Usage: Ideal for shrub borders.

Planted in a large group of the same or varied species helleborus provide a spectacular winter and spring display.

Helleborus makes an ideal cut flower.

Site: Heleborus prefer partial shade.

Helleborus do not like root disturbance, avoid lifting established plants.

Soil: Humus rich, moist but very free draining soil.

Propagation Methods: By seed in spring or autumn.

By seed in spring.

You must use these seeds immediately after collecting. This will increase your germination rate dramatically.

Old seed will not germinate.

Soak the seeds in warm water for 2 - 3 days (until you notice them swelling).

After soaking sow seeds in compost as normal.

Best germination temperature: 70 deg F.

Time from sowing to germiantion: 6 - 20 weeks.

Can be slow at germination, so be patient.

How to sow seeds (opens in new window)

But this is the best way to propagate helleborus:-

Helleborus self seed freely. Just look at the picture opposite, all these free seedlings in a couple of square inches (50mm by 50mm).

So what to do with all these seedlings?

When they are large enough to handle carefully lift the seedlings with your hand fork and gently seperate them making sure not to damage the roots or stems. Handle them only by their leaves.

Plant them up individually into 7.5cm (3inch) pots filled with compost (two parts potting compost to one part sharp horticultural sand).

Place the potted up seedlings in your cold frame and grow on for two to three years, repotting into 10cm (4inch) pots if required. Water and feed as necessary (make sure they do not dry out in hot weather - remember they are only in small pots which dry out very quickly).

Then all you need do is plant them out in their final position and watch them grow away, flower and self seed.

Collect the seedlings and repeat above.

A never ending cycle of plants free for life!

The success rate using the above method is usually 100 per cent. Well are you going to give it a go? You bet!!!

If you have any queries or comments please feel free to

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