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.
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses or Christmas roses, are absolutely gorgeous perennial flowering plants that are prized for their early blooms and attractive foliage. While they are cold hardy and best suited to growing outdoors, many gardeners have success growing hellebores as houseplants and forcing them to bloom indoors. With the right care and conditions, hellebores can add a pop of color and winter interest to any indoor space.
Hellebores belong to the Ranunculaceae family and the genus Helleborus. There are over 20 species of hellebore and countless hybrids and cultivars. The most popular types grown as houseplants are H. niger (Christmas rose), H. orientalis (Lenten rose), and H. argutifolius (Corsican hellebore).
Hellebores are perennial flowering plants that bloom in late winter, early spring or even late fall, depending on the variety. The blooms are shaped like roses or cups with 5 petals. Colors range from white, pink, red, purple, green and more. The foliage is evergreen in most species and ranges in color from deep green to gray-green. Plants grow 12-24 inches tall and wide.
These plants thrive in zones 4-9 outdoors. They prefer partly shady spots and moist, well-draining soil. Hellebores are deer and rabbit resistant. Once established, they are low maintenance and drought tolerant.
Growing Hellebores Indoors
While hellebores prefer growing outdoors it is possible to grow them as houseplants and enjoy their gorgeous blooms inside. Here are some tips for growing hellebores indoors
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Start with a healthy plant – Purchase a hellebore plant from a nursery or online retailer when it is in bloom. This will ensure you are getting a vigorous mature plant that is ready to bloom. Avoid small starter plants.
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Give it bright, indirect light – Hellebores thrive in bright light, but avoid direct hot sunlight indoors as it can scorch leaves. An east or west facing window is ideal. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
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Maintain cool temperatures – Hellebores prefer cool temperatures between 40-60°F Keep them in the coolest room in your home Avoid warm rooms and heat sources.
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Provide high humidity – Mist hellebore leaves daily or place the pot on a pebble tray to boost humidity around the plant.
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Water moderately – Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water less in winter. Avoid soggy soil.
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Fertilize occasionally – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during active growth and bloom periods.
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Give it a chill period – To initiate blooming, hellebores need a chill period with temps around 40-45°F for 4-6 weeks. Move it to a cool garage or basement during this time.
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Monitor for pests – Watch for aphids, thrips, scale, and fungal diseases. Treat promptly if any appear.
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Repot annually – Repot in fresh potting mix in a container one size larger in early spring. Divide rootbound plants.
Tips for Getting Hellebores to Bloom Indoors
Getting hellebores to bloom while growing indoors takes some patience and work but it can be done! Here are some useful tips:
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Start with a plant that has set flower buds already when you purchase it. This gives you blooms much faster.
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Place the plant in a bright, cool spot and water moderately. Establish the plant initially in normal indoor temps.
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In mid to late winter, give the plant a chill period in a garage, basement or fridge for 4-6 weeks with temps around 40-45°F. This chill is vital for initiating blooms.
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After the chill period, move the plant back to its cool indoor spot in the house. Blooms should emerge in 4-6 weeks if the chill was successful.
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Snip off any faded or dying flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadhead regularly.
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Once it has bloomed, you can move the hellebore outdoors in spring and pot it into the garden so it can recharge for next year.
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Feed with bloom-boosting fertilizer and be diligent about watering during growth and blooming.
Common Problems with Indoor Hellebores
Growing hellebores indoors presents some challenges. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
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Leaf drop – This is caused by being too hot or too dry. Move to a cooler spot and water more frequently.
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No blooms – Lack of a chill period, insufficient sunlight, or improper planting time are common causes. Give it a chill period next year.
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Small flowers – Cool temperatures and bright light create the best blooms. Move to a cooler spot and provide more sunlight.
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Insect pests – Aphids, mealybugs, thrips and more may appear. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap sprays.
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Fungal diseases – Root rot from overwatering or botrytis are common. Improve airflow and water less. Remove affected parts.
Enjoying Hellebores as Houseplants
With proper care, hellebores can be gorgeous and rewarding houseplants. Place your hellebore in a visible spot in your home where you can enjoy its striking blooms in late winter and early spring when little else is blooming indoors. The key is providing consistent bright, cool conditions. Give it a chill period for the best chance at flowers. Then sit back and enjoy this unique flowering houseplant!
Caring For Hellebore in Planters
Hellebores dont 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.
Hellebore Care Guide // Garden Answer
FAQ
How do you care for hellebores indoors?
- Light: Provide Hellebores with bright, indirect light when grown indoors. …
- Temperature: Hellebores prefer cool temperatures between 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C) when grown indoors. …
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants when planting Hellebores in containers.
Do hellebores do well in pots?
Most hellebores should only be planted temporarily in containers, as part of a winter display.
Where is the best place to plant hellebores?
Soil type: Plant hellebores in moist but well drained soil. Aspect & position: Full or partial shade in the middle of the border or under shrubs and trees. As the delicate markings of the flowers are best appreciated from underneath it can be a good idea to plant them on a slope or raised area such as a retaining wall.
What is the problem with hellebores?
Hellebores are generally trouble-free and easy-to-grow plants. Some of the occasional problems that they may experience are fungal diseases, aphids, and slug or snail damage.