About
A clump-forming, strongly growing evergreen perennial with leathery, divided, blue-green leaves reaching up to 40cm high. The pale pink flower are carried on reddish-brown stems from mid-winter to spring, turning light green with age.
About the genus
Helleborus can be rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a clump of pedate basal leaves, or evergreen with erect, leafy stems. Large, bowl-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters in late winter or spring
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of wide range of soils, but it prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Improve lighter soil with organic matter such as garden compost. Avoid soils prone to drying out or staying wet. Plant in light shade and protected from cold drying winds. For more advice see hellebore cultivation.
PruningRemove damaged, old leaves in the atumn. When flowering finished, remove the old deteriorating flower stems to encorage new fresh growth from the base.
PropagationPropagate by division of larger clumps in early spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, grey moulds (botrytis) and virus diseases.