Don't know what is correct, Amsterdam, but they are tough old things. I cut off enough leaves to see the flowers properly and they don't seem to mind.

I cut away all the leaves around the flower, you get a better flower, also helps prevent Hellebore leaf spot. Cut leaves away late winter early Spring. Exposing the flowers in this way helps insects to pollinate and ensure good seeds for the following year.

I cut away all the leaves around the flower, you get a better flower, also helps prevent Hellebore leaf spot. Cut leaves away late winter early Spring. Exposing the flowers in this way helps insects to pollinate and ensure good seeds for the following year.

It depends on the variety. H. x hybridus are the ones where you remove the old leaves in early Spring. All the others should have only dead and dying leaves removed. Taking off all the leaves of these seriously weakens the plants and they will either fail to thrive or even die, especially anything based on H. niger.

Thank you all for you replies.
Owdboggy - having wandered around the garden I think I have the H. x Hybridus variety. (see pictures of my Hellabores on my photo's). I will snip away the old and brown leaves and tidy them up. A friend of mine suggested you cut some of the flowers and float them in water in a shallow dish to enjoy their lovely patterns!