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Cutting leaves back on Hellebores

DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
in Plants
This is my first attempt of growing Hellebores so don’t want to lose them at this stage. I have just read in my Gardener's World Year Planner that you should trim off all the leaves in January. This seems to me to be a bit severe when they are looking green and healthy. So wondering what are your thoughts on this. Is it a must or is it a job I can leave? Any advice would be helpful please. 
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's to allow the flowers to be better displayed.
    It's fine, although I don't generally bother as the leaves tend to collapse on them at this time of year anyway here, so they don't inhibit the flowers in any way. I only remove damaged ones. 
    It doesn't apply to H. niger though, just the hybrids which flower from around February onwards.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I don't, either. The weather here can be really rough and can damage the flowers so I only remove damaged leaves and, once the flowers are up, the odd few that stop me seeing the flowers.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Another reason for removing the old leaves on H. x hybridus is that they can harbour the fungus/bacteria which causes the black death of Hellebores. The old leaves even if they are still green and healthy looking have done their job so removing them does the plant no harm and it does open up the plant for air to keep and nasties away.
    Having said that, it is a matter of personal choice. I remove them, but you don't have to.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    There are huge numbers of different types of hellebores. Check which ones you have before cutting. I have H. argutifolius which I wouldn't think of cutting.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - I'd forgotten about that @Palustris. Fortunately - something I've never had on any of the hybrid varieties I've grown. 
    That's the kiss of death isn't it- they'll all succumb now!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    I have just checked, I have the Niger Christmas Carol ones, so I guess I leave them alone but just trim any leaves that are not looking to good?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - they're fine. It's really just the hybrids where it can be more of a problem.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    Thank you all for your advice. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Enjoy them. They're very easy and need nothing much in terms of care.
    They're some of my favourite plants. Great for brightening a shady spot through autumn and winter, and also in pots    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DaisypicDaisypic Posts: 80
    They are pretty, I just need to buy some different coloured ones now but they are quite expensive aren’t they! 
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