WINTER JEWELS

You're deep into the mid-year chill, then the hellebores appear. Hooray - they tell you spring is on its way!

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1 GET A BLUSH OF FRECKLES

Double layers of petals add to the rose-like quality of hellebores. Splattered freckles are a bonus!

2 A BARE PATCH COVERED

Plant your hellebores under a deciduous tree. They love the summer shade of the tree's foliage and bloom when touched by winter's dappled, low and soft light. Being shallow-rooted, hellebores draw nutrients from the upper soil levels.

As hellebores arrive, the winter show begins. These delicate, cup-shaped flowers with their gentle, bowing faces bring seasonal charm and create blooming blankets that guide you gently into spring as their petals subtly change colour while the season progresses.

They're known as 'winter roses' for the delight they bring with their rose-like form and multitude of colours - from deep purple, yellow and bold gold to gentle peach, a touch of lime, pale pinks and pristine white.

But what seals their reputation as all-stars is how undemanding they are. All they need is dappled shade - easy to find in winter. As perennials they'll retreat to just foliage in summer before flowers emerge again to add a soft and sensual edge to your next winter.

3 HOW TO TRICKLE DOWN