I think you're supposed to cut off the leaves of helleborus orientalis in
the autumn/winter, but now that flowering is over do I cut off the leaves
(which are big and healthy) or let them grow until next autumn?

Thanks.

"Ade" wrote
I think you're supposed to cut off the leaves of helleborus orientalis in
the autumn/winter, but now that flowering is over do I cut off the leaves
(which are big and healthy) or let them grow until next autumn?

I only ever cut them off if they look knackered.
Idea is you cut off the old leaves to be able to see the flowers and the new
fresh leaves as they come up.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK

The message
from "Ade" contains these words:

I think you're supposed to cut off the leaves of helleborus orientalis in
the autumn/winter,

Only ones which are dead, broken or discoloured, and not till the
plants start flowering in late winter/spring.


but now that flowering is over do I cut off the leaves
(which are big and healthy)

No


or let them grow until next autumn?

Leave them on the plant till next spring; they will protect the crown
over winter. Then, only take off dead or damaged ones.

Janet

Try visiting http://www.homeandgardening.co.uk/plantprofiles.htm they offer some great profiles of plants. Great advice on growing and propagatng many plants.