Buried by snow and ice, hellebores are tough little flowers that won’t be beaten by Arctic conditions.

THE severe weather conditions we have all been experiencing of late have been the worst on record for many years, in some parts of the county dropping to temperatures of -18C.

It seems incredible that there is a plant that is just starting to come into full flower at this time of the year. Helleborus niger, or what is commonly called the Christmas rose, is in flower now and will carry on flowering into early spring.

This seasonally named plant is a perennial that grows each year from rhizomes. It thrives in organic compost that is moisture retentive but free draining and will benefit from a mulch of leaf mould each year. Ideally, it should be placed at the edge of a woodland setting in filtered light.

The plant is a native to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia, but will grow in most parts of the UK as long as it is placed out of windy sites.

The plant produces thick, leathery, dark green leaves that are slightly serrated. The flowers appear on thick purple stems, and on these develop saucer shaped flowers which are 5-8cm across singly in groups or cymes of two to three blooms.

The colour varies from white to a pink form with a green to white centre. This tough little plant will grow to a height of 30cm with a 45cm spread and should be planted in groups.

Hellebores are generally pest free. However, they may be susceptible to slug and aphid damage. They can also be affected by leaf spot and black rot from time to time, but this does not tend to be a longterm problem.

Christmas roses can be propagated by seed sown into pots and placed in a cold frame. They can also be divided after flowering in spring or late summer depending upon the species. The more species the gardener can select for the planting site the longer the period of flowering.

Helleborus foetidus flowers from mid-winter to mid-spring. The flowers are bell shaped, green in colour with a purple margin and have a pleasantly scented smell. The leaves can also produce a scent that, unlike the flower, is very unpleasant and can occur when the leaves are crushed.

Helleborus x hybridus has developed from hybrids of H.orientalis and other species. The resulting crosses can produce richly-coloured flowers with incredible variation in flower patterns which look almost kaleidoscopic. The flower colour ranges from white, purple, yellow, green and pink and will continue to bloom into late spring.

Hellebores give good value for money and should be a great addition to most gardens. They will flower year after year even through the severe extremes of weather conditions we have had recently.

Finally, it should be remembered that all parts of the plant are poisonous and that gloves should be worn at all times when handling the plant. The plants must never be eaten.

Seasonal tips...

❦ Insulate outdoor containers from frost – bubble wrap works well

❦ Put out bird food to encourage winter birds into the garden

❦ Refresh water often. If your pond is stocked with fish, float a ball on the water

Harlow Carr Diary Dates

Today and tomorrow

10am – 4pm

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Come along and see Santa in his workshop, decorate a gingerbread man or write and post a letter to Santa and wait for your reply.

11am and 2.30pm

CHRISTMAS WINTER WALKS

Join an RHS gardener for a festive walk around the garden ending with mince pies and mulled wine at Bettys Teahouse in the garden. (£7.95 plus normal garden admission. Book in advance on 0845-612-1253)

4pm

CAROL SINGING WITH SANTA

Get into the festive spirit by singing some wellloved Christmas songs with Santa and the Harlow Carr carollers

■ Events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr are free with the normal garden entrance fee, except where stated. For further information call 01423-565418 or log on to rhs.org.uk

❦ RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB. Open daily from 9.30am until 6pm. RHS Members free, adults £7.50, children (six to 16) £3, under-sixes free.

Gardens: 01423-565418; shop and plant centre: 01423-724666; Bettys tea rooms 01423-505604.