Helleborus × ericsmithii
Eric Smith's hellebore
A hybrid between H. x sternii and H. niger, evergreen, about 38cm tall, with leathery, dark greyish-green leaves to 15cm long. Large white or pale pink saucer-shaped flowers, tinged green, are produced singly or in pairs, on short pink stems, from midwinter to mid spring
Synonyms
Helleborus × ericsmithii 'Nigristern'Helleborus 'Eric Smithii'
see moreHelleborus 'Eric Smith'
Helleborus × nigristern
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 | Pink | Green Pink Yellow White | Green White | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green White | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green White | ||
| Winter | Pink | Green Pink Yellow White | Green White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich. Partial shade is ideal but can tolerate full sun. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn
Propagation
Propagate by division. Although the cross may be made again, resultant plants are likely to be inferior. Professionally increased by micro-propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove faded or damaged foliage before 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.