Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Ellen Purple' (d)
hellebore 'Double Ellen Purple'
A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial up to 35cm high with leathery, dark green leaves and double, lightly speckled, deep purple flowers with yellow stamens, from late winter to spring
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 | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Purple | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers fertile, 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. For more advice, see hellebore cultivation.
Propagation
Propagate large clumps by division in early spring or early autumn. Water well until established. Plants propagated by seed may be variable.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove old leaves in mid to late winter before the flowers start appearing to expose the emerging flowers and control hellebore leaf spot. Deadhead by removing the old faded flower stems.
Pests
May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, slugs and snails.
Diseases
May be susceptible to hellebore black death, hellebore leaf spot, grey moulds (botrytis) and virus diseases.
Helleborus × hybridus 'Double Ellen Purple' (d)
hellebore 'Double Ellen Purple'
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