Helleborus, 'Miss Jekyll's Scented'

Germination

Sow Jun-Feb. in a cold frame. Sow indoors Mar-Sep. Prior to sowing soak seeds in hot water for 2-3 days until swelling is noticeable. In a cold frame, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of grit. Allow autumn warmth followed by winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Seed may require 2 full winters to germinate. Germination is erratic and takes 30-545 days approx. Indoors, sow seed at 22°C then cold stratify at -4-+4°C for 6-8 weeks then remove to warmth,10°C, for germination. You may need to repeat this cycle if germination does not occur. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial sun. Prefers a neutral or alkaline soil. Offer protection from cold winds. Water during dry spells. Mulch annually in autumn.

Cultivation

Remove faded or damaged foliage as new flowers appear as the foliage can often hide the flowers. Will self-seed freely. Propagate by seed or by division after flowering.