A bushy, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial up to 45cm high with deeply divided, leathery, purple tinged, dark green leaves with and single velvety, deep purple - almost black, pendent or outward-facing flowers from late winter to early spring.
0.1-0.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in neutral to alkaline, moisture retentive, humus –rich soils that are not prone to staying wet or drying out in summer. Improve lighter soil with organic matter such as garden compost or a manure-based soil conditioner prior to planting and mulch well. Plant in light shade with shelter from strong cold winds. Mulch in the autumn to give winter protection. For more advice, see hellebore cultivation.
Propagate large clumps by division in early spring or early autumn. Water well until established. Plants propagated by seed may be variable.
Remove old leaves in mid to late winter before the flowers start appearing to expose the emerging flowers and control hellebore leaf spot in winter. Deadhead by removing the old faded flower stems.
May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, slugs and snails.
May be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, grey moulds (botrytis) and virus diseases.