So sorry if you asked another question and it did not post. So happy that your hellebores are getting ready to bloom. You do not need to fertilize these perennials during the winter as the flowers are already formed and the blooming season is ready to grow. Besides, Osmocote is a slow release plant food that releases nutrients as the soil temperature warms and growth begins. This means the product will not be wasted when the plant is not growing much in the winter. I use Osmocote around my hellebore plants in late spring (April or May) when I am cleaning out the beds and the foliage of the hellebores is growing fast. Sprinkle one teaspoon of Osmocote under the leaves so it makes contact with the moist soil. Scratch it into the top inch of soil being careful not to damage any surface roots. Your hellebores will love the nutrients and the healthy foliage that appears will be making next winter's floral display.  Keep growing, Marianne Binetti