hellebores

Hi,

I was wondering, how deep is the minimum required for a few 2 yr old hellebores to be planted.

I have approx 1ft deep bed and want a flowerig mostly evergreen shrub that can survive in that depth. I can do nothing about the depth, the base of the bed is an old solid stone cobbled road.

That or suggestions for a waxy green leaved flowering shrub that will do the job. It has to be compatible with rhododendrons and camellias and tolerate partial shade and acidic soil.

 

Mine certainly aren't any deeper than that and they are also on op of a load of hardcore and rubble - they seem to be doing okay - though I only planted them this time last year so I am hopefull they'll flower again this spring - fingers crossed.

 

They should be fine!

 

Hellebores like alkalin-ish soil though, so they may not be to happy in the same conditions as camellias and rhododendrons.
May be a small Pieris? I have had one in a large pot for ages and it's always very nice. Mine is variegated green and white, and fresh eaves are born rosy-orange. The flower buds are formed before Xmas and open in spring, so all in all it's always colourful.

 

Thankyou for the word to the wise on soil requirements, I`ll not do that then. I already have pieris`s and just fancied something different. Any more suggestions ?

 

As long as the soil isn't too acid, then you're OK with hellebores

 

Sarcoccoca, or Hebes.:gnthb: You can`t go wrong

 

The sarcococca-any particular one for fragrance? Got hebes coming out of my ears.

 

They are all winterflowering and highly scented.:flwsml: