Helleborus ‘Pirouette’ (PBR) (hellebore) £12.99
Position: partial shade Soil: neutral to alkaline, freely draining soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: December to April Flower colour: shades of dusky pink with a green flush Other features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritation Hardiness: fully hardy A fab new hellebore, which is noted for its ability to produce an abundance of flowers over a prolonged period from mid-winter to mid-spring. Once established, it is tolerant of dry shade, so it is an ideal woodlander, and is perfect for underplanting deciduous trees and shrubs, where it will provide low-growing, early interest before the overhead canopy of leaves emerge. Plant it with ferns, hostas and early flowering bulbs to complete the effect. Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.