About
Helleborus argutifolius, the holly-leaved hellebore, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 1 m with stout stems bearing three-lobed, spiny-toothed, dark-green leaves. Bowl-shaped, nodding, pale-green flowers 4�5 cm wide are borne in large, open clusters from midwinter to mid-spring. One of the boldest and most architectural of all hellebores.
About the genus
Helleborus, the hellebores, are rhizomatous, herbaceous or evergreen perennials with bold, pedate or palmate, deeply divided, leathery leaves and nodding, bowl-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. Long-lived and ornamental plants for shaded or partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toCorsica, Sardinia
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
CultivationThrives in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich. Partial shade is ideal but can tolerate full sun. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death