Hellebores - Propagating and Buying

Propagating Hellebores
Hellebores are propagated using two methods, by sowing seed or by division. Probably the easiest way is by division (see below for more detail) which has the added advantage that all plants will be identical. Most hellebores also produce seed which can be sown. The disadvantages of seed, is that some varieties will turn out different from the parents and not all seed grows very easily. The great advantage of seed however is that you can collect it from neighbours without harming the parent plant.

Consult the table below for the pros and cons of propagating hellebores from seed and by division.

Name	Seed or Division

Helleborus argutifolius (or corsicus). Corsican hellebore	Definitely propagate by seed. This variety self-seeds very easily, so you may well find seedlings growing near the plant. Theses can simply be lifted and placed in their new position.
Helleborus foetidus	Definitely propagate by seed. This variety does not like division at all.
Helleborus niger. Black hellebore or Christmas Rose. Helleborus torquatus	Produces viable seed and can also be propagated by division. Both methods work well. Division should occur in early spring.
Helleborus orientalis. Lenten Rose	Best propagated by division because seed will not produce identical plants. Seed however is viable. Division should occur in late summer or early autumn.
Helleborus sternii and Helleborus lividus	Best propagated by seed because they do not appreciate division.

Dividing Hellebores
Not all hellebores are good candidates for division. Consult the table above for suitable varieties and when to divide them.

Dividing well-established hellebores is not a subtle process because the roots will be very woody. Before lifting the plant, loosely tie the foliage together with string to avoid damaging it as much as possible. Then using a large fork, lift the plant from the surrounding soil. Because the roots are extensive, expect to damage some of them, but try and lift as much of the root system as possible.

To divide the hellebore, you will probably need two forks. First remove the string holding the foliage, then use dig one fork into the centre of the clump of roots. Some force may be required if the root system is very woody. Do the same with the second fork, digging it into the roots so that it is back to back with the first fork. Then simply force the two forks apart to divide the plant. If the two resultant clumps are 20cm (8in) or more across, it is quite feasible to divide that into two as well giving four new plants in total.

Plant plant each division immediately to the same depth as the 'soil' mark on the clump. Cleanly cut off any damaged foliage. If conditions are at all dry, water the new plant well. Remember to label the new plants.

The divided plants are likely to miss the first years flowering, or produce poor quality plants. Occasionally this happens for two years running. However, they will then be better plants than the original because their roots will have more room for growth. In fact, it is best to remove all flower buds in the first season after division, to encourage the root system to grow more strongly.

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