About
A compact, clump-forming evergreen perennial with dark green, leathery, lightly marbled, divided leaves growing up to 35-40cm high. The large, white, outward facing flowers open from pink buds from mid-winter to 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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, 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
CultivationGrow in fertile, moisture retentive, but well drained, preferably neutral to alkaline soil in a position sheltered from strong winds in sunny spot or light shade. Improve lighter soil with organic matter such as garden compost or a manure-based soil conditioner prior to planting and mulch well. For more advice see hellebore cultivation.
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage in autumn, winter before the flowers appear.
PropagationPropagate large clumps by division in early spring for home use only.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphids, slugs and snails.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, grey moulds (botrytis) and virus diseases.