About
This clump-forming bushy evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with dark green leathery deeply-lobed erect leaves. Flowers are saucer-shaped, single, dark purple-black with a smoky sheen and a pale yellow central eye.
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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationThrives in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich. Partial shade is ideal but can tolerate full sun. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn.
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear, likewise remove flowers as they fade and dry
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or summer. Usually comes true from seed, but may take a few years to flower.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid and hellebore leaf miner. Snails may be a problem, particularly on developing flower buds.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death