Re: Hellebores

**"Marge Talt" m*@hort.net**

I'd second the angry squirrel guess if you have no deer, who do not
generally touch them.  Could have been an angry rabbit as well:-) 
Your hellebores will be fine.  Graham Birkin, who breeds them in the
UK, cuts his back this time of year as a matter of course.  I prefer
to leave the foliage over winter; plant does not care much either way
tho' I do think the old leaves give the flower buds some protection. 
 I cut the foliage off  my x hybridus types as soon as I can get
around to it in spring, by which time it's generally fairly ratty,
depending on the winter we've had.  

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Shadyside Garden Designs

----------
> From: B. K. Earl <bearl@xnet.com>
> 
> I just discovered 12 - 15 clumps of mature hellebores (at least a
foot 
> in diameter) nipped to within 3 inches of the ground.  The nipped
stems 
> and leaves had been left behind -- not eaten.  Each clump is
totally 
> decimated, with not a single leaf left.  Will these clumps survive?

> Since hellebores are supposed to be rabbit proof and I have no
deer, 
> what could have done this damage?
> 
> Betty

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