Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' (Christmas Rose) — Clump forming

Overview

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and winter interest. It is native to Europe.

About

Helleborus niger, commonly called Christmas rose or black hellebore, is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is one of about 20 species from the genus Helleborus.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helleborus niger

About the genus

Commonly known as hellebores, the Eurasian genus Helleborus consists of approximately 20 species of herbaceous or evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, within which it gave its name to the tribe of Helleboreae. Many hellebore species are poisonous.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hellebore", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hellebore

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Helleborus

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: north, east, west, shaded
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen, Semi evergreen
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: borders, woodland gardens, winter interest
Native to: Europe
Toxicity: It is a poisonous cottage garden favourite because it flowers in the depths of winter.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid'

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter
Pruning: Remove old leaves in late winter before new growth appears
Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: Hellebore aphid, Hellebore leaf miner, Snails
Disease resistance: Hellebore leaf spot, Hellebore black death

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid'?

Prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid'?

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' need?

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid'?

Remove old leaves in late winter before new growth appears.

How big does Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' grow?

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' hardy in the UK?

Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' 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 niger 'Harvington Hybrid'?

Division, seed.

Is Helleborus niger 'Harvington Hybrid' toxic?

It is a poisonous cottage garden favourite because it flowers in the depths of winter.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Helleborus genus

Browse all Helleborus →