About
This clump-forming, semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial, up to 40cm high, with silver-veined dark green leaves. Red-stemmed flowers, which open pale creamy-pink and then become deep ruby-pink, appear from late winter to 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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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, humus-rich but well-drained soil which is preferably neutral or alkaline, in a position with shelter from strong, cold winds and in full sun or light dappled shade. Mulch every autumn with leaf mould, chipped bark or other organic matter; for more advice, see hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove old leaves to help prevent hellebore leaf spot, and deadhead by removing old faded flower stems
PropagationPropagate by division of large clumps in early spring, watering well until they are established
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, downy mildews, grey moulds (botrytis), smuts, and virus diseases