Overview
Veratrum album is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Veratrum, part of the Melanthiaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Veratrum album grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Europe, Africa and Asia.
About
Veratrum album is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Melanthiaceae that reaches about 1.5 m and produces white flowers in June to July. It is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Plants prefer a full-sun position in moist but well-drained soils — sandy, loamy or clay. All parts are toxic if eaten, so wear gloves and protective equipment when handling and keep away from pets.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veratrum album
About the genus
Veratrum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Melanthiaceae. It occurs in damp habitats across much of temperate and subarctic Europe, Asia, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Veratrum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veratrum
In the garden
Veratrum album belongs to the Melanthiaceae and is a tall, herbaceous perennial from Europe, Africa and Asia that flowers in June to July. Mature plants reach roughly 1.5 m, making them a clear vertical element where height is needed rather than a ground cover or low border filler. Position the plant in full sun and give it consistently moist but well-drained soil; it accepts sandy, loamy and clay textures so long as free drainage and regular moisture are maintained. The UK hardiness rating H7 indicates the species is fully hardy across the British Isles; it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Avoid drought-prone sites and compacted, waterlogged pockets where root health may suffer. Because of its stature and flowering season, Veratrum album suits larger mixed borders or any part of the garden that can accommodate a 1.5 m perennial without crowding smaller neighbours. Note that all parts are toxic if eaten and it is harmful to dogs, so place it away from accessible animal paths and wear gloves when lifting or dividing clumps. Take care disposing of trimmings to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veratrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veratrum album size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Native to
- Europe, Africa, Asia
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veratrum album
- Propagation
- Seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Veratrum album?
Veratrum album prefers full sun.
What soil does Veratrum album need?
Veratrum album is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Veratrum album grow?
Veratrum album reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Veratrum album hardy in the UK?
Veratrum album has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Veratrum album?
Seed.
Is Veratrum album toxic?
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Veratrum genus
- Veratrum grandiflorumLarge-flowered False Hellebore
- Veratrum stenophyllumFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum wilsoniiFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum yunnanenseFalse Hellebore