January - pruning hellebores

The benefit of cutting back stemless hellebores (such as Helleborus × hybridus varieties) right at the base, is to maintain optimal plant health preventing hellebore leaf spot disease being carried through the winter to infect the new leaves. Removing the old foliage also means the flowers can be seen and enjoyed better. At the same time, it's a good idea to mulch around them with compost. Don't prune Helleborus foetidus in this way however, as they flower on thick stems just above the tops of the foliage. You'll be able to see the buds now so you'll know just by looking not to prune these.