About
A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial up to 60cm high, with deeply cut, dark green, leathery leaves and saucer-shaped, pendent to outward-facing double, red flowers with curved petals 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 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
CultivationTolerant of a range of moisture retentive, humus-rich soils in light shade but best in fertile, neutral to alkaline soils that are not prone to drying out in summer. For more advice, see hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove old leaves to expose the flowers and control hellebore leaf spot in winter before the flowers start appearing and deadhead by removing the old faded flower stems
PropagationPropagate large clumps by division in early spring or early autumn. and water well until established; plants propagated by seed may be variable
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot, hellebore black death, grey mould (botrytis) and virus diseases