About
An evergreen perennial to 40cm tall forming a mound of leathery, dark green divided leaves. Rounded, deep red, outward-facing flowers with creamy-yellow stamens are borne over a long period from winter to mid-spring.
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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
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, 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
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. See hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot and a virus