planted hellebores last year and they don't seem to have grew very much , any tips please?

Hellebores like rich, well drained soil with sharp drainage, in a sheltered position, in dappled or partial shade although they will take some sun provided the soil is moist. If you are meeting these conditions it could well be that they have suffered from the hot dry summer which has prohibited growth. In dry spells it is best to give them a water particularly in their first year when they are getting established.

Keep them weed free now and give them a feed of chicken manure, blood,fish,and bone, or well rotted manure. Feed them again with a general purpose fertiliser when they have finished flowering next year. They are hungry feeders.

Helleborus Niger is the most difficult to establish. The easiest is Hellebores x hybrids or Lenten rose which come in many beautiful shades of pink, white and crimson. They will tolerate a wide range of conditions. Helleborus foetidus or stinking hellebore also grows quite easily, often just appearing but has a tall habit and green cup shaped flowers which are quite attractive but you wouldn't want many of them. Lenten rose is much nicer.

Hellebores are members of the Ranunculacaea or buttercup family and in the wild grow on deciduous woodland slopes or shaded clearings. They prefer an alkaline soil but will grow in slightly acidic soil so if your soil is acidic that could be the problem and you could apply some lime.

Hopefully giving them a feed and keeping them watered in dry spells will now see them growing happily away next year. Often plants do take a couple of years to get going.

Try Helleborus foetidus - grows like anything, and needs constant hacking back to keep it under control. Looks quite spectacular in mid-winter.