Overview
Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis 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 viridis subsp. viridis is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Helleborus genus, known for its rhizomatous or semi-evergreen habit. This cultivar produces palmate basal foliage and sizable, bowl-shaped blooms in late winter or spring, often appearing in loose clusters. It thrives in partial shade with a sheltered aspect, suitable for various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is well suited to city, courtyard, cottage, and informal gardens, and is best grown in fertile, humus-rich soil with annual mulching.
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 viridis subsp. viridis 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 viridis subsp. viridis
- 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 viridis subsp. viridis?
Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis need?
Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis 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 viridis subsp. viridis hardy in the UK?
Helleborus viridis subsp. viridis 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 viridis subsp. viridis?
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)
