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Pruning guide

How to prune hellebore

Best time
Late winter (January–February in the UK; January–March in the US), just as flower buds emerge
How often
Annually in late winter; spot-remove diseased leaves as needed
Technique
Cut all old foliage stems at the base using clean secateurs, leaving just the emerging flower stems and any healthy new leaves. Remove any blackened or blotched leaves throughout the year to reduce Helleborus leaf spot pressure.

More hellebore care

Pruning hellebore — FAQ

When should I prune hellebore?

Late winter (January–February in the UK; January–March in the US), just as flower buds emerge. Cut all old foliage stems at the base using clean secateurs, leaving just the emerging flower stems and any healthy new leaves. Remove any blackened or blotched leaves throughout the year to reduce Helleborus leaf spot pressure.

How often does hellebore need pruning?

Annually in late winter; spot-remove diseased leaves as needed. Hellebores benefit from one annual tidy: remove the previous year's leathery foliage in late winter before or as new flower stems emerge. This prevents fungal leaf spot from spreading and lets you see the blooms clearly. Beyond that, hellebores need very little pruning — just remove damaged leaves as they appear.

How do you prune hellebore?

Cut all old foliage stems at the base using clean secateurs, leaving just the emerging flower stems and any healthy new leaves. Remove any blackened or blotched leaves throughout the year to reduce Helleborus leaf spot pressure.