Overview
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Veratrum, part of the Melanthiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. 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.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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 var. ussuriense
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense?
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense need?
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense hardy in the UK?
Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Veratrum nigrum var. ussuriense?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Veratrum genus
- Veratrum albumwhite false hellebore
- Veratrum californicumCalifornia false hellebore

- Veratrum viridegreen false helleborine
- Veratrum grandiflorumLarge-flowered False Hellebore
- Veratrum stenophyllumFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum wilsoniiFalse Hellebore
- Veratrum yunnanenseFalse Hellebore