Helleborus lividus (Livid Hellebore)

Part Sun to Light ShadeZone: 7b-9 12" tall Origin: Spain

Open House/Web-Only! New crop available 9-16-2010 This is probably the most strikingly beautiful and sought-after of the hellebore species. The toothed deer-resistant foliage, borne on an upright stalk, is similar to a dwarf Helleborus argutifolius, but is much hardier in our trials. Each leaf is a fabulous rich green, highlighted with silver and red veining...the specific epithet, lividus, means lead-like, not angry. Our 1' tall x 2' wide clumps flower in late winter and early spring with terminal clusters, holding masses of pink-backed greenish flowers...hardy here for 15+ years, although flower buds were killed when the winter temperatures dropped below 5 degrees F. Reports of limited hardiness are only valid in cool summer climates where summer heat doesn't produce enough sugars. Our original clumps were grown from hellebore guru Will McLewin's seed. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)