Blue-grey hellebore

Helleborus lividus | Also known as: Purple hellebore | Rating: 0 votes | Print / Pdf

It may not be the most attractive of garden plants, but helleborus lividus has qualities that endear it to plenty of gardeners. An evergreen perennial, it has thick red stems, at the end of which are three prominent, lance-shaped grey-green marbled leaves – earning it the common name, the blue-grey hellebore. A winter bloomer, its tiny five-petalled, bowl-shaped flower is a sickly shade of pale purple – earning it the alternative name, the purple hellebore. Though an evergreen, it is best to grow under glass where frosts threaten. Outside, it thrives in humus-rich, moist but well-drained alkaline soil and prefers shade to sun, so it is ideal as under-planting. Mulching may be required in winter.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • yes
Dangers: comments
  • Avoid eating this plant, or you may have severe stomach upset. Its sap may irritate your skin.
Height [m]
  • 0.3 - 0.5
Spread [m]
  • 0.25
Dominant flower colour
  • Pink
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Flowering seasons
  • Mid winter
  • Late winter
  • Early spring
  • Early winter
Foliage in spring
  • Blue-green
Foliage in summer
  • Blue-green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Blue-green
Foliage in winter
  • Blue-green
Propagation methods
  • seed
  • division
Growth habit
  • Clump-forming
Environment
Acidity
  • Neutral
  • Alkaline
Hardiness zone
  • Z6-9
Heat zone
  • H9-6
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -23 - -1
Heat days
  • 45 - 150
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
  • poorly-drained
Soil type
  • Clay
  • chalky
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Partial shade
Exposure
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Flowers & bulbs
  • Perennials
Grown for
  • Attractive Flowers
Creative category
  • For Beginners
  • Colours
  • For every season
Garden type
  • Cottage garden
Garden spaces
  • Flower beds
  • Cut flowers
  • Underplanting
  • Borders
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • 2 to 5 years
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18 Related plants
Helleborus double white

Hybrid lenten rose ‘Double Black’

PLANTS Helleborus

Helleborus x hybridus 'Double Black' is commonly known as Hybrid lenten rose ‘Double Black’. This elegant plant has very dark purple double flowers and as it flowers over the winter months, it's bound to stand out in your garden when everything else is dormant. The foliage is evergreen too so it's ideal if you're choosing some plants to add some colour to your garden in winter. This variety likes a partially shady spot and well-drained soil. It grows in a clump to around 18 inches in height. Water it occasionally and it shouldn't give you too much trouble.