About
A clump-forming perennial with dark green leaves with lighter veining, to 35cm. Flowers are cream with a pink blush, aging to pink, and abundant in late winter and 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
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, in dappled shade. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn. See hellebore cultivation
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
PropagationPropagate by division of large clumps, after flowering in early spring, or in early autumn. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, slugs, snails and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot, and virus diseases including hellebore black death