About
A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial up to 35cm high with leathery, dark green leaves and double, lightly speckled, deep purple flowers with yellow stamens, from late 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, 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
CultivationWill tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers fertile, neutral to alkaline, moisture retentive, humus –rich soils that are not prone to staying wet or drying out in summer. Improve lighter soil with organic matter such as garden compost or a manure-based soil conditioner prior to planting and mulch well. Plant in light shade with shelter from strong cold winds. For more advice, see hellebore cultivation.
PruningRemove old leaves in mid to late winter before the flowers start appearing to expose the emerging flowers and control hellebore leaf spot. Deadhead by removing the old faded flower stems.
PropagationPropagate large clumps by division in early spring or early autumn. Water well until established. Plants propagated by seed may be variable.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, slugs and snails.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, grey moulds (botrytis) and virus diseases.