October is a great time to plant hellebores. These plants have delicate flowers and evergreen leaves, making them a lovely choice for garden borders. They add colour and life when most other plants are dormant.

Planting hellebores now gives them ample time to establish their roots before the ground freezes. They thrive in a sheltered spot with dappled shade, making them ideal for tucking under deciduous trees or along the north-facing side of a house or fence. The key to a happy hellebore is good drainage, so if your soil is heavy clay, it’s worth incorporating some well-rotted organic matter or grit to improve its structure. When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with a mix of your garden soil and compost, ensuring the crown of the plant is level with the surrounding ground.

Once hellebores are established, they need very little care. It’s best to leave them in place rather than moving them. Their evergreen leaves look good all year, but you should remove any old or damaged leaves in late winter or early spring before new buds show. This keeps the plant tidy and helps prevent disease. Hellebores are a great choice for gardens, adding colour and interest during the colder months.