Overview
Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' 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 niger 'Nell Lewis' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Helleborus genus, known for its rhizomatous or semi-evergreen perennials with palmate basal foliage. This cultivar features semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage and produces sizable, bowl-shaped blooms in late winter or spring. It thrives in partial shade and prefers fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, tolerating a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand with alkaline to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits sheltered positions and is ideal 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 niger 'Nell Lewis' 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 niger 'Nell Lewis'
- 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 niger 'Nell Lewis'?
Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' need?
Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' 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 niger 'Nell Lewis' hardy in the UK?
Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis' 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 'Nell Lewis'?
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 lividus subsp. lividus
- Helleborus niger 'Double Fantasy' (d)
