Veratrum californicum var. caudatum

RHS Plant Profile
Californian tailed false hellebore

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Californian tailed false hellebore RHS
Californian tailed false hellebore RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

a slow-growing, herbaceous perennial with broad, pleated leaves. The flower stem can reach 2m, has short branches on the lower half, and is clothed in greenish-white, star-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Melanthiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
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
Genus
Veratrum are herbaceous, rhizomatous perennials with erect stems bearing alternate, pleated ovate or elliptic leaves and dense, branched panicles of small, star-shaped flowers in summer
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained; site in partial shade or full sun so long as the soil does not dry out. Shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe. Propagate by division in early spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down flowering spike after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease- free