About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 45cm tall with leathery, dark green, marbled foliage divided into leaflets. Loose clusters of outward-facing, saucer-shaped flowers are borne in spring; flowers open cream to pale pink and darken with age.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife 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
CultivationThrive in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich. Partial shade is ideal but can tolerate full sun. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn. For more information see Hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
PropagationPropagate by seed, as named strains will come true, or propagate by division in the autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death