Can You Grow a Hellebore in a Container?
Hellebore plants are prized for their unusual and pretty flowers, but also because the blooms come out in winter or early spring. These are great plants for four-season gardens and if you need something to add winter color to your beds. But what about hellebore in containers? You absolutely can grow these plants in containers, but there are some important things to keep in mind in order to help them thrive in pots.
How to Care for Hellebores in a Pot
You may see container grown hellebore around Christmas time when it is sold as Christmas rose. Often these, along with other holiday plants like poinsettia, are used for decorations and then allowed to die or just tossed. There’s no need to let your potted hellebore go downhill, though. You can keep it potted until you’re ready to put it in the ground outside, or you can keep it potted and enjoy it indoors and out, year round. Hellebore needs rich and well-drained soil, so be sure to choose a pot that drains and use a rich organic potting soil or add compost to existing soil. It’s also important to choose a large container, as hellebore plants don’t like to be transferred. The stress of the move can be damaging, so give your plant room to grow. The depth of the pot is particularly important as the roots mostly grow down. Position your potted hellebores to get as much sun as possible during the winter and spring months. A little shade will be appreciated as it gets warmer. Hellebore also prefers cooler temperatures in the winter, so make sure it gets sun without too much heat. The flowers tend to droop downward, so find an elevated position for your container grown hellebore so you can fully enjoy it. Hellebore is at its best when planted outdoors in the ground, but if you have limited space or you simply want to enjoy these lovely flowers as a houseplant, you should be able to make it comfortable in an indoor container.
