I've had a group of white unnamed hellebores growing for almost 20 years. The last few years, they haven't appeared to be growing as robustly as they once did. I had a few flowers last year but none this year. They are growing at the base of a barberry shrub and have been for years. I don't generally fertilize my perennials and I've started mulching last year with shredded fall leaves. Should I consider moving the hellebores? If so, when would be a good time to move them?

I would think after 20 years the plant could use dividing and some food. When you mulched did you keep the mulch away from the plants, if it is up against them they could be acting like a plant planted to deep. I would do it now in the Spring or wait till Fall.

I don't crowd the plants with mulch but they do spend the winter under fall leaves which I remove in early spring in anticipation of flowers. Interesting comment about them acting like they're planted too deep. Never thought of that. I have been thinking for the past year that perhaps it's time to dig them up. Thanks!