well i think it will produce new leaves, normally i just remove the old tatty leaves and leave the younger leaves alone

I do that too. I remove the old leaves in spring to allow me to enjoy the flowers. I think the leaves help to protect the plant from frost over the winter by providing an umbrella cover. I'd probably put a mulch over the plant if it does not grow new leaves before the winter.

I'm with Scotsgran on this one, we cut the tatty old leaves away in spring, I wouldn't cut at this time of year unlessI had to. Mulching would help to protect the roots of the plant.

I'm a newbie with this plant. One of my hellebore seedlings lost its leaves this spring after the plant flowered. They went tatty and I cut the remains off & there's nothing to show where it is (was?). The rest of them didn't flower & have leaves that look pretty good - I assumed they're building up the plant so left them. Are mine unusual? I assumed that everyone's hellebores were quietly growing in the shade in the summer.

Yes, mine are doing that, although I removed the dead leaves. I don't cut off the leaves when they're in flower, either, although I can understand why some people do.

Surely the leaves are there to photosynthesis and feed the plant, I never cut mine off, I like the big leaves, but cutting off the old ones is Ok. surely, but not all !

I did wonder, Gm.....can anyone answer that?

I have always understood you only removed the old tatty leaves from a hellebore not the newer ones. Mind you most plants are very resilient it it will doubtless come again next year, or even start growing another lot of leaves this year.

Oppppp's. Oh! Well you live and learn, I will put mulch on it and see how it fairs, it's got two chances now. Thanks for all your info friends.

Good luck. :-))

They are pretty tough !!!

The big leaves make for good ground cover to stop weeds coming up LadyE. If they grow for you, and they are not overly fussy, they are amongst the easiest herbaceous perennials to look after.

the old leaves will continue to photosynthesise as long as they are green. when they are 'past it' they start to turn yellow. or they go dark brown and then I find them in the undergrowth.

Thanks for the more info, I will know better next time :o))))