About
Helleborus _ hybridus 'Ballard's Black' is an exceptionally dark-flowered hellebore cultivar, producing deep, near-black, bowl-shaped flowers with prominent yellow stamens opening from midwinter to early spring above the characteristic sturdy, evergreen, palmate foliage of the genus. A jewel of late winter for a sheltered, partly shaded border.
About the genus
Helleborus, the hellebores, are rhizomatous, herbaceous or evergreen perennials with bold, pedate or palmate, deeply divided, leathery leaves and nodding, bowl-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. Long-lived and ornamental plants for shaded or partly shaded positions.
Plant details
Suggested usesWoodland borders, shaded beds, under deciduous trees. Superb winter interest.
Care notes
CultivationFertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Mulch annually.
PruningRemove old leaves in late autumn. Deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings.
PropagationDivide after flowering in spring. Sow fresh seed in summer.
Pest resistanceAphids, leaf miners. Slugs on young growth.
Disease resistanceHellebore black death (virus). Hellebore leaf spot. Good hygiene essential.