One rewarding task for any gardener in the early months of the year is tending to Hellebores, often called the “Lenten or Christmas Rose.” These hardy perennials can look a bit worse for wear now. Their large, leathery evergreen leaves, which provided such lovely greenery through the autumn, usually end up battered by frost, flattened by snow, or spotted with unsightly black blotches. While it might feel counterintuitive to chop off green growth, giving them a bit of “tough love” right now is the best thing you can do for them.

The primary reason for cutting back the old foliage is health. Hellebores are prone to a fungal issue known as “Hellebore Black Spot.” If you leave the old, damaged leaves on the plant, the fungal spores can easily hitch a ride onto the emerging new growth and the delicate flower buds. By snipping away the old leaves at the base—being careful not to nick the new stems—you are effectively removing the source of infection and giving your plant a fresh, clean start for the new season.

Beyond the health benefits, there is a purely aesthetic reason for this task. Hellebore flowers are often shy, nodding their heads downward. When the plant has lots of tattered, old foliage, those beautiful blooms can become completely lost. Clearing away the old leaves puts the spotlight squarely on the stunning flowers, allowing you to see their intricate patterns and colours more clearly.

Take a pair of sharp, clean secateurs on a crisp morning and clear away those old leaves. Once gone, the plant looks instantly rejuvenated. It’s a simple, meditative job that marks the transition from the old year to the new, revealing the hidden beauty waiting just beneath the surface.