Helleborus niger Black hellebore (Ranunculaceae) Evergreen perennial

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Helleborus niger
Black hellebore
Evergreen perennial
(1 Page of 5)

The Helleborus niger plant species is found in S.E. and C. Europe. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black hellebore.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Helleborus niger
Common Name:  Black hellebore
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant are poisonous[9, 10, 65], this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin[76]. The fresh root can be a violent irritant to sensitive skin[244].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Woods and thickets, mainly in mountains, on calcareous soils[50, 187]. Sometimes also found in grassland[187].

Cultivation Notes: Cultivation of this plant is not always easy, it prefers a rich limy soil in partial shade[187]. Succeeds in any good garden soil[1], growing and flowering best in a moist well-drained rich loam in a sheltered position in partial shade[1, 4, 31, 111, 244]. Succeeds when grown in the shade of a north-facing wall[233]. Does not object to lime[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[200]. Dislikes drought. Slugs are very fond of this plant and it will probably require some protection from them[187]. The various species in this genus hybridize freely[95]. Plants can flower in three years from seed[4]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[187]. Plants resent root disturbance and are slow to re-establish when divided[244]. They are best left undisturbed for 6 - 7 years before being divided[244]. Seedling plants should be placed in their permanent positions whilst still small[200]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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