About
A winter-flowering hellebore, with sturdy, palmately-lobed evergreen leaves. Cup-shaped blooms with prominent stamens open from midwinter to early spring. 'Epb 24' is a jewel of late winter.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWoodland borders, shaded beds, under deciduous trees. Superb winter interest.
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
CultivationFertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Mulch annually.
PruningRemove old leaves in late autumn. Deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings.
PropagationDivide after flowering in spring. Sow fresh seed in summer.
Pest resistanceAphids, leaf miners. Slugs on young growth.
Disease resistanceHellebore black death (virus). Hellebore leaf spot. Good hygiene essential.