Anyone have experience with hellebores?

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

9. Buying-one-or-two-and-planning-to-divide-or-propagate-by-cuttings

is my middle name.

I've had a good large patch of hellebores for so long that it's hard for me to remember exactly what I've done with them! I'm sure I must have divided some in the early days, but they've reseeded themselves so thoroughly over time that I actually have to weed them out now.

I do have a few of the fancier ones that aren't established enough yet to divide. Maybe after this coming winter's bloom. Supposedly just afterward is the best time. Though, I know I didn't stick to that rule in the past. But, I'd be more careful with the special ones.

The common belief seems to be that you can't propagate them by cuttings and seeds don't come true to the parent. So dividing would be the only way to get more of the fancy, super-expensive ones. They say you don't want to do it unless the plant is big enough so that each division has several eyes. So, yeah, patience would be a necessary virtue.

You've got me thinking that I'm missing a good opportunity by throwing the unwanted seedlings on the compost pile. I have some areas where it would be great to have a hellebore ground cover. Not that I haven't thought of it, but I can't keep up with all my garden chores as it is, and chucking them is just easier. However, considering that ground covers can keep the weeds down, it might be worth it to take the time to transplant the seedling clumps.