Though buried under snow, hellebores survive to push flowers up through the last vestiges of winter's grasp to bloom in shades of white, yellow, purple, red or pink.
Models of ruggedness and determination, hellebores are stars when few other plants are flowering in northern gardens. The blooms of these easy-care perennials are either solid colours, or have centre highlights, speckles or intricate streaks. The flowers are really sepals, which is the reason for their long flowering time—some last as long as three months.
All hellebores resent being moved; pick a spot in full to part shade and leave them there. Amend soil with well-aged leaf mould and compost before planting. These are perennials for the long term, and effort spent enriching the soil before planting will be well rewarded. Trim lightly in early spring to tidy up the overwintering leaves as the buds open.