Helleborus lividus
blue-grey hellebore
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 45cm with pink-tinted stems bearing leathery leaves composed of three bluish-green marbled leaflets. Nodding, pale pinkish-green flowers 3-5cm in width are borne in open clusters from mid winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Green Pink | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Helleborus can be rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a clump of pedate basal leaves, or evergreen with erect, leafy stems. Large, bowl-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters in late winter or spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Balearics
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers a humus-rich, fertile, and moisture-retentive soil in partial shade but will tolerate full sun. Protect from strong, cold winds and mulch with a layer of well-rotted organic matter in autumn. See hellebore cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
Pests
May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.