Hellebores, also known as Lenten or Christmas roses, are not actually roses but are, in fact, part of the buttercup family. These shade-loving perennials thrive in well-drained, moist conditions, happy in most soil types but they lean towards alkaline. They range in colour from white to plum with single, double, speckled or picotee dark-edged petals and marbled, plain or spotted foliage.
Helleborus orientalis, H. niger, H. hybridus, H. viridis, H. argutifolius and, of course, stinking hellebore, H. foetidus, are all great garden plants for winter colour. These distinctive evergreens are also an essential source of nectar for early emerging bees – plus, deer and rabbits tend to avoid them! A study carried out by Bristol University showed that one H. hybridus flower had as much nectar as a staggering 157…
