Hellebore can be used in container gardens outside or indoors as a houseplant. Their blossoms will add color indoors and out during late winter and early spring when not many other plants are flowering. Place containers in areas you walk along, even when there is snow on the ground. The evergreen foliage makes a great filler plant when the hellebore is not in flower. Be sure to use a container that will not crack during the winter freeze-thaw cycles for outdoor gardening.
Planting Hellebore in Pots
Plant hellebore in late spring or early autumn in container gardens. If planted in the fall, hellebore may not bloom until the second year, depending upon how quickly they become established. Use a container with at least one drainage hole. Make sure a container that will remain outside is designed for winter outdoor use. Mix a balanced slow-release fertilizer into the soil at the time of planting. Place the container in a location that will receive winter sunshine, but not direct sun during the summer months.
Best Soil For Hellebore in Pots
Use high-quality all-purpose potting soil for container gardens. Compost may be mixed into the soil before planting or used as a top dressing in subsequent years.
Caring For Hellebore in Planters
Hellebores don't like to have their roots disturbed. Only repot when the plant has become root-bound. Cut off dead or damaged leaves. Water regularly and apply fertilizer annually. Place the hellebore in a sunny location during the winter and spring months. Move your hellebore to a shadier location in the hot summer and early autumn months.\
Watering Hellebore in Pots
Water container-grown hellebores at least once a week during the summer months if no rainfall has occurred. Porous pots like unglazed clay will dry out more quickly than glazed ceramic or plastic pots. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Water is not necessary for outdoor pots during the winter months. Water houseplants less frequently during the winter months. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out, and then add water.
Fertilizing Hellebore in Pots
Mix compost or a balanced granular or powder fertilizer into the soil when initially planting a hellebore in a pot. Fertilize in the spring or the fall with a liquid fertilizer. Always follow the directions on the packaging. Applying too much fertilizer may burn the hellebore’s roots.
Winter Care For Hellebore in Pots
Hellebores need little to no care during the winter if left outdoors. Use a container approved for the freeze-thaw cycles that occur as the temperature fluctuates during the winter. Trim back damaged leaves in late winter to make the plant look tidier and allow the flowers to shine.
Can Hellebore Be Grown Indoors
Hellebores can be used as houseplants. They prefer to be grown outside but will survive indoors. Give this plant sunshine during the winter and spring. Move the hellebore to a less sunny location during the summer and autumn because it does not like the heat. They thrive when grown near deciduous trees. Try to mimic the sun and shade conditions that naturally occur outdoors. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and fertilize annually in the spring or fall.
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Author Maureen Farmer - Published 07-04-2022 |