Overview
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Helleborus, known for its rhizomatous or semi-evergreen growth and palmate basal foliage. This cultivar features semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves and produces sizable, bowl-shaped blooms in late winter or spring, typically in loose clusters. It thrives in partial shade with a sheltered aspect, favouring fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil that can be chalk, clay, loam, or sand, with an alkaline to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for city, courtyard, cottage, and informal gardens.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helleborus
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus?
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus need?
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus hardy in the UK?
Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus?
Propagate by seed or by division in autumn.
More in the Helleborus genus
- Helleborus argutifoliusholly-leaved hellebore
- Helleborus foetidusstinking hellebore
- Helleborus foetidus 'Chedglow Variegated' (v)
- Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant'
- Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver'
- Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'
- Helleborus niger 'Double Fantasy' (d)
- Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis'