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Alpine RockeryHerbaceous Perennial

Helleborus thibetanus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Tibetan hellebore

A deciduous, clump-forming perennial to 45cm tall, the divided leaves, with saw-like teeth, appear in spring and early summer before dying back. Clusters of two to eight, bell-shaped, papery-textured flowers, 5-6cm across, are white at first, fading through pale pink to green, often with conspicuous dark veins, are borne in early spring

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Pink White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in woodland gardens in moist, fertile and humus-rich soils in partial shade. Protect from excessive wet from late summer to early spring when the plant is dormant. Can also be grown in an alpine house

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death

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