Hellebores are woodland plants that prefer moist, well-drained soil. These perennials need deep watering at least weekly after planting to help them establish. Once their roots become established, they can tolerate drier soil condition, but they perform best in moist soil with regular watering.
How to Tell if Hellebore Needs Watered
Hellebore leaves wilt when they need watering. The leaves will turn yellow and then die if they do not receive water in time. If your hellebore is dropping, water it well.
How Often To Water Hellebore
New hellebores should be watered immediately after planting to saturate the planting site and fill any gaps in the soil. Continue to water deeply every few days if rainfall doesn’t occur for the first couple of weeks.
Established hellebores need an inch of water a week from rainfall or watering, from spring to fall. Hellebore does not need watering during the winter months.
Water potted hellebores when the top layer of soil feels dry, about once a week, during their growing season. During extended dry periods in winter, water when the leaves begin to wilt and temperatures are above 40 degrees F.
Best Time To Water Hellebore
Water hellebores at any time of the day. It’s best to water them early enough so that any moisture on the leaves has time to dry before nightfall. This will lessen the chance of fungal infections. Hellebores growing in the garden do not need watering during the winter months.
How to Water Hellebore?
Step 1 - Check the soil moisture level.
Poke your finger into the soil. If it feels dry an inch or two below the surface, it’s time to water the hellebore.
Step 2 - Add water to the soil.
Use a watering wand or hose spray attachment on a gentle setting to moisten the soil around the base of the plant. Add water until the ground becomes saturated a few inches below the surface. Keep adding water to a container until it begins to run out the drainage hole.
Step 3 - Repeat.
If no significant rainfall has occurred within the past week, check the soil moisture level for dryness.
Hellebore Watering Tips
- Do not over-water
- Water only if the soil is dry
- Avoid wetting the leaves
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Author Maureen Farmer - Published 07-04-2022 |