- 1). Prepare the planting spot for the newly divided Helleborus niger. Choose an area sheltered from hot sunlight and cold winter winds. Remove weeds with a hoe, then cultivate the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Mix 2 to 3 inches of compost into the top of the soil.
- 2). Dig a clump of Helleborus niger, using a shovel with a straight edge shovel or a garden fork. Dig in a circle around the plant, rocking the shovel or fork back and forth gently to loosen the roots.
- 3). Lift the plant gently from the ground. Use extreme care because Helleborus niger isn't fond of being divided and the brittle roots are easily broken.
- 4). Use your hands to divide the clump of Helleborus niger into smaller plants. If the plant is difficult to divide, you may need to use a sharp knife to separate the divisions.
- 5). Use clean scissors to cut off any dead or damaged roots. Work quickly so that the divisions can be planted quickly and the roots don't dry out.
- 6). Dig a hole in the prepared planting site, and plant the divided Helleborus niger at the same soil depth as it was planted before it was divided. Water the Helleborus niger immediately.
- 7). Feed Helleborus niger a general purpose, timed-release fertilizer to give the plant a good start. Feed the plant again in late summer.
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