What's eating my hellebore?

Hellebores are relatively tough but aphids attack emerging flower stems in late winter. Vine weevil grubs chew roots underground, causing sudden wilting. Slugs and snails damage young foliage and flower buds. Hellebore leaf spot (Coniothyrium) is common but the main animal pest is aphids on flower stalks.

Clusters on flower stems and undersides of leaves in late winter/early spring; distorted blooms, sticky residue Remove heavily infested stems; spray with insecticidal soap; encourage overwintering beneficial insects

C-shaped white grubs eat roots and crown, causing plants to wilt and collapse; adults notch leaf margins Apply nematode drenches (Steinernema kraussei) in autumn and spring when soil is above 5 °C; use vine weevil-specific insecticide granules

Ragged holes in young leaves and emerging flower buds, especially in autumn and early spring Apply iron phosphate pellets; use gritty mulch around crowns; hand-pick at night in wet weather