black hellebore
Helleborus niger
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size9 to 12 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- White fading to blush pink with yellow stamens
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Black hellebore (Helleborus niger) is a perennial for borders, shade gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, loamy, clay, or chalky soil. White blooms fade to blush pink and show yellow stamens, and the green leaves stay on the plant all year. This slow grower forms a tidy clump. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Snake Eyes hosta, Spotted dead nettle, and Bridal Crown daffodil.
Native range
Europe.