By Kate Chinnick

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Native to Greece, Turkey and the Caucasus
Blooms middle of winter till spring
Grows to 60cm high and wide
Prefers a fertile moist soil in part shade, under deciduous trees
Cut old foliage back just as flower buds appear
Frost hardy
Flowers come in many colours: white, green, pink, red and purple
Propagate from division or seed in Autumn
Check for aphids
Feed with compost or old manure after flowering plus dolomite
All parts are poisonous