How to become a plant-scaper

Take a leaf out of this lush landscape to turn your garden into a vibrant oasis

Soil Hellebores need moist soil with plenty of organic matter; they don’t grow well in sandy soils. To prepare your garden prior to planting, dig in well-rotted cow manure – it adds nitrogen and organic material – but wait two weeks before planting to avoid burning the roots of your plants.

Planting Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the pot. Remove the plant from its pot and position in the hole. The roots are very vigorous, so don’t need teasing out. Make sure the plant sits at the same level as it was in the pot, as planting below the surrounding soil level could induce rot.

Feeding Apply a complete fertiliser – you can use either liquid or pelletised – from midautumn to the end of winter. Hellebores need calcium and magnesium to stay healthy and strong, so apply a light dusting of dolomite lime at the same time you feed them.

5, 6 Pot ’em up! Hellebores look sensational as potted plants, but grow better in a large container. Make sure that they are well watered but not soggy, as this could induce rot. They have vigorous root systems and, with the right care, will fill a pot and put on a spectacular flower show.

7 Make a splash and mass-plant hellebores under a deciduous tree or in a garden bed that receives at least part-shade. When in bloom they can reach up to 60cm high and spread to about 50cm wide, so they really pack a visual punch. Planting in drifts around trees also creates a natural woodland effect.

PESTS AND DISEASES

The plants suffer from few pests and diseases, the two main culprits being aphids, a sapsucking insect, and powdery mildew, a fungal problem.

• Pick off aphids by hand or use a horticultural oil – you can also find recipes online.

• Make a 1:10 milk and water mix, and spray leaves and stems to treat powdery mildew.

8, 9 When it comes to displaying varieties with pendulous flowers, put one or two in several small glass jars and arrange above eye level – on a shelf or mantelpiece – so you can see the flowers properly. The modern upright types look stunning in a vase, either by themselves or with their own foliage.

10 Give hellebores a container that’s as special as they are! Try a metal kettle – you can find vintage styles in op shops or online. Make sure to drill drainage holes in the base so the plants don’t get soggy and rot.

Float individual hellebore flowers face up in a bowl to help brighten up your home on even the gloomiest winter day

11 In full shade hellebores will put on less leaf growth, so choose a spot with dappled light for the very best foliage and flower display.

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