Can Hellebores Be Grown Indoors? A Guide to Caring for Hellebores as Houseplants

Hellebores, which are also called Lenten roses or Christmas roses, are very pretty perennial flowering plants that are loved for their early blooms and pretty leaves. Even though hellebores do best when grown outside in cold weather, many gardeners have success growing them indoors and getting them to bloom. If you take care of your hellebores the right way, they can add color and winter interest to any room inside.

Hellebores belong to the Ranunculaceae family and the genus Helleborus. There are over 20 species of hellebore and countless hybrids and cultivars. The most popular types grown as houseplants are H. niger (Christmas rose), H. orientalis (Lenten rose), and H. argutifolius (Corsican hellebore).

Hellebores are perennial flowering plants that bloom in late winter, early spring or even late fall, depending on the variety. The blooms are shaped like roses or cups with 5 petals. Colors range from white, pink, red, purple, green and more. The foliage is evergreen in most species and ranges in color from deep green to gray-green. Plants grow 12-24 inches tall and wide.

These plants thrive in zones 4-9 outdoors. They prefer partly shady spots and moist, well-draining soil. Hellebores are deer and rabbit resistant. Once established, they are low maintenance and drought tolerant.

Growing Hellebores Indoors

While hellebores prefer growing outdoors it is possible to grow them as houseplants and enjoy their gorgeous blooms inside. Here are some tips for growing hellebores indoors

• Buy a hellebore plant from a nursery or online store when it is in bloom to make sure it is healthy. This will make sure you get a strong, fully grown plant that is ready to bloom. Avoid small starter plants.

• Give it bright, indirect light – Hellebores thrive in bright light, but avoid direct hot sunlight indoors as it can scorch leaves. An east or west facing window is ideal. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.

• Maintain cool temperatures – Hellebores prefer cool temperatures between 40-60°F Keep them in the coolest room in your home Avoid warm rooms and heat sources.

• Keep the humidity high. Mist the hellebore leaves every day or put the pot on a pebble tray to make the area around the plant more humid.

• Water moderately – Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water less in winter. Avoid soggy soil.

• Fertilize plants every so often. During active growth and bloom periods, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three months.

• Give it a chill period – To initiate blooming, hellebores need a chill period with temps around 40-45°F for 4-6 weeks. Move it to a cool garage or basement during this time.

• Monitor for pests – Watch for aphids, thrips, scale, and fungal diseases. Treat promptly if any appear.

• Repot annually – Repot in fresh potting mix in a container one size larger in early spring. Divide rootbound plants.

Tips for Getting Hellebores to Bloom Indoors

Getting hellebores to bloom while growing indoors takes some patience and work but it can be done! Here are some useful tips:

• Start with a plant that has set flower buds already when you purchase it. This gives you blooms much faster.

• Place the plant in a bright, cool spot and water moderately. Establish the plant initially in normal indoor temps.

• In mid to late winter, give the plant a chill period in a garage, basement or fridge for 4-6 weeks with temps around 40-45°F. This chill is vital for initiating blooms.

• After the chill period, move the plant back to its cool indoor spot in the house. Blooms should emerge in 4-6 weeks if the chill was successful.

• Snip off any faded or dying flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadhead regularly.

• Once it has bloomed, you can move the hellebore outdoors in spring and pot it into the garden so it can recharge for next year.

• Feed with bloom-boosting fertilizer and be diligent about watering during growth and blooming.

Common Problems with Indoor Hellebores

Growing hellebores indoors presents some challenges. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

• Leaf drop – This is caused by being too hot or too dry. Move to a cooler spot and water more frequently.

• No blooms – Lack of a chill period, insufficient sunlight, or improper planting time are common causes. Give it a chill period next year.

• Small flowers – Cool temperatures and bright light create the best blooms. Move to a cooler spot and provide more sunlight.

• Insect pests – Aphids, mealybugs, thrips and more may appear. Isolate and treat with insecticidal soap sprays.

• Fungal diseases – Root rot from overwatering or botrytis are common. Improve airflow and water less. Remove affected parts.

Enjoying Hellebores as Houseplants

With proper care, hellebores can be gorgeous and rewarding houseplants. Place your hellebore in a visible spot in your home where you can enjoy its striking blooms in late winter and early spring when little else is blooming indoors. The key is providing consistent bright, cool conditions. Give it a chill period for the best chance at flowers. Then sit back and enjoy this unique flowering houseplant!