Overview
Veratrum nigrum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Veratrum, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Veratrum nigrum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Veratrum nigrum, the black false hellebore, is a widespread Eurasian species of perennial flowering plant in the family Melanthiaceae. Despite its common name, V. nigrum is not closely related to the true hellebores, nor does it resemble them. The plant was widely known even in ancient times. It is native to Southern Asia, Albania, Altay, Amur, Austria and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Veratrum nigrum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Veratrum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Veratrum nigrum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Veratrum nigrum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Veratrum nigrum?
Veratrum nigrum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Veratrum nigrum need?
Veratrum nigrum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Veratrum nigrum grow?
Veratrum nigrum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Veratrum nigrum hardy in the UK?
Veratrum nigrum 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 nigrum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Veratrum genus
- Veratrum grandiflorumLarge-flowered False Hellebore
- Veratrum stenophyllumFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum wilsoniiFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum yunnanenseFalse Hellebore
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