About
A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial about 30-35cm high, with overwintering leathery leaves of dark green, and upward-facing pure white flowers, about 8cm across, with golden stamens, from early winter to early 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
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, City and courtyard 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
CultivationGrow in a position sheltered from strong, cold winds, in dappled shade, in fertile, moisture-retentive, humus-rich but well-drained soil which is preferably heavy, and neutral or alkaline, and mulch every autumn with leaf mould, chipped bark or other organic matter; for more advice, see hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove old leaves to help prevent hellebore leaf spot, and deadhead to encourage more flowers
PropagationPropagate by division of large clumps in early spring, watering well until they are established; propagation for resale is prohibited without a licence
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death