Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front, middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Helleborus argutifolius has flowers the colour of 'Granny Smith' apples, set against spiny, evergreen foliage. The flowers appear in winter, and remain on the plants for a long time. It's perfect for growing in a shady border close to the house, where you can appreciate its late-winter beauty. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Helleborus argutifolius dislikes being moved once established, so should not be divided. Given the right conditions, it will self-seed quite sufficiently to provide replacements.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Helleborus and wildlife

Helleborus is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Helleborus poisonous?

Helleborus can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Helleborus argutifolius
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