“January brings the snow makes our toes and fingers glow”

​I always consider this to be one of the darkest months of the year. The artificial lights of Christmas are down and it is the end of the month before we begin to see the evenings draw out a little and a few early snowdrops or aconites beginning to show.

Hooray for Hellebores
I am not sure what it is about Hellebores which makes them so seductive, part of it maybe they put on a show whilst winter is still in full swing. These hardy perennial plants are not tall and cannot be accused of being flamboyant, but their flowers last for months, eventually fading to green. The range of colours is staggering from pure white to virtually black and in between soft pinks, rich purples, clarets, yellows and greens. 

Easy to grow, Hellebores prefers heavy, neutral to alkaline soil in partial shade. Many will tolerate full sun and most soil conditions but it's best to avoid excessively dry or wet conditions. They can be planted now if the ground isn’t frozen. Alternatively, plant in a pot and transfer to the border later in the spring. 

Vicky’s Top Tips 

• Make sure to mulch annually in autumn.
• Trim off old leaves ready to reveal the beautiful nodding flower heads.  
• In April or May trim off the faded flowers, dig up any seedlings from around the parent plant and plant elsewhere in the garden for further Hellebore delight.