Green Hellebore
Helleborus argutifolius
- Evergreen
- Winter interest
- Shade garden
- Poisonous
- Deer & rabbit resistant
An evergreen hellebore with leathery, toothed foliage and pale yellow-green cups that nod through the bleakest part of winter.
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Also known as the Corsican hellebore, Helleborus argutifolius is an evergreen perennial grown for its bold, leathery, sharply toothed leaves and its clusters of pale yellow-green, cup-shaped flowers that open in the depths of winter when little else is in bloom.
Winter presence
The thick, blue-green foliage holds its color all year, giving structure to a shady border even in the cold months. As winter fades, nodding chartreuse cups appear and linger into early spring, a welcome sight for early pollinators.
Care tips
Plant it in dappled to deep shade with well-drained soil, and mulch in colder regions to protect the roots. It asks for very little once settled in.
Heads up: all parts of the green hellebore are toxic if eaten. Handle with care and keep it away from curious pets and children.
Habitat & form
Where it's from and what to expect.
- Native range
- Corsica and Sardinia
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 1.5–2 ft tall and 1.5–2 ft wide.
- Bloom
- Pale yellow-green, cup-shaped nodding flowers from late winter to early spring.
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6–8.
Care
How to keep it happy.
- Sunlight
- Dappled to partial or even deep shade; intolerant of bright winter sun.
- Water
- Drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil.
- Soil
- Well-drained or sandy soil; tolerates clay if it drains. Neutral to alkaline pH.
- Pruning
- Maintenance: in early spring, as new growth resumes, cut off the old, tattered leaves to show off the blooms and reduce leaf spot; remove spent flower stems at the base after the flowers fade in late spring. Rejuvenate an aging clump by dividing it.