About
A deciduous, clump-forming perennial to 45cm tall, the divided leaves, with saw-like teeth, appear in spring and early summer before dying back. Clusters of two to eight, bell-shaped, papery-textured flowers, 5-6cm across, are white at first, fading through pale pink to green, often with conspicuous dark veins, are borne in 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 hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toChina
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
CultivationBest grown in woodland gardens in moist, fertile and humus-rich soils in partial shade. Protect from excessive wet from late summer to early spring when the plant is dormant. Can also be grown in an alpine house
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death