How to water hellebores: the stars of the late winter garden

Hellebores are the stars of the February garden, flowering away when so little else is. A welcome lift in what can otherwise feel like a rather bare month.

These charming perennials are native to woodland regions, where they grow beneath deciduous trees in soil that stays moist but never waterlogged. Understanding this natural setting is the key to keeping them happy. They need regular moisture during their flowering period, roughly December to April, but once summer arrives, they prefer things a little drier.

Get the watering right and you’ll keep plants healthy, flowering well, and far less prone to common fungal problems like leaf spot. Here’s what you need to know.

How often should I water my hellebores?

This largely depends on rainfall and soil type, but the main thing to remember is that while hellebores are actively growing or flowering, they don’t like to dry out.

In winter and spring (December to April):
Check the soil first by pushing a finger about 5–8cm down. If it feels dry at this depth and you haven’t had decent rain recently, give them a good soak. During wet spells, which are rarely in short supply, you may not need to water at all. When you do water, make sure it penetrates deeply, around 15–20cm down, to encourage strong, resilient roots.

In summer (June to August):
Well-established plants in partial shade often get enough moisture from normal rainfall. That said, during prolonged dry spells you may need to step in. If it hasn’t rained properly for two to three weeks and the soil is dry several centimetres down, it’s time to water.

Newly planted hellebores:
These need closer attention during their first year. Check the soil a couple of times a week and water if the top 5cm feels dry and no rain is forecast. Once they’ve been through their first full growing season, they become much more self-sufficient.

Do hellebores in pots need more water?

Usually, yes. Containers dry out far faster than open ground, and hellebores’ generous foliage can act like an umbrella, politely deflecting rainfall elsewhere.

Check potted plants regularly during the growing season, perhaps two to three times a week depending on the weather. Water when the top couple of centimetres of compost feel dry. Even in wetter periods, keep an eye on them, as rain doesn’t always penetrate pots as thoroughly as you might expect.

What’s the best way to water hellebores?

Always water at the base of the plant, not from overhead. Hellebore leaves are prone to fungal diseases that spread through water splash, so keeping foliage dry makes a real difference.

A watering can with a long-reach spout is ideal for slipping underneath the leaves and directing water exactly where it’s needed. Water slowly so it soaks in rather than running off, and always check the soil first. If it’s moist 5–8cm down, they’re quite content.

Should I water hellebores in winter?

Hellebores are actively growing and flowering in winter, so they do need consistent moisture. However, with typical UK winter weather, it’s unlikely you’ll need to water very often.

During freezing weather, soil can freeze solid, making watering impossible anyway. On bright winter days, hellebores can still lose moisture through their evergreen leaves, even when the ground is frozen. A 5–8cm layer of mulch, such as leaf mould, compost or bark, helps protect against this and keeps conditions more even.

Spotting signs of watering issues

Too little water:

• Drooping flowers and buds

• Leaf edges turning brown and crispy

• Yellowing older leaves
  
  

Too much water (especially in summer):

• Black or brown spots on leaves

• Soft, mushy stems at the base

• Yellowing leaves across the plant

• Fungal growth on the soil
  
  

If you spot signs of underwatering, increase watering gradually. If overwatering is the issue, improve drainage or consider moving the plant to a more suitable spot.

Any other tips?

Mulch:
A 5–8cm layer of organic mulch applied in autumn does wonders. It helps retain moisture, protects roots during freeze-thaw cycles, and generally means you’ll water less overall.

Location:
Plant hellebores in partial to full shade, ideally beneath deciduous trees. This mirrors their natural habitat and helps soil stay moist for longer without becoming waterlogged.

Getting it right

Keep hellebores consistently moist during winter and spring when they’re flowering, then ease off as summer arrives. The key is responding to real conditions rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.

Check the soil regularly, pay attention to rainfall, and adjust as needed. Get this balance right and your hellebores will reward you with years of reliable winter flowers, quietly getting on with the job while the rest of the garden wakes up.

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