Veratrum nigrum
black false hellebore
A clump-forming, deciduous perennial with pleated, elliptic green leaves to 30cm in length. Upright, leafy stems to 1.2m in height, bear large panicles of small, star-shaped, deep reddish-brown flowers in July and August
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe to Asia
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
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Cut down flowering spike after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
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.