Helleborus lividus
Hardy Perennial
- Flowers: February to April
- Position: Sun or part shade
- Zones: 8, 9
- Height: 18 inches
- Ideal for: Containers
Description
A choice Majorcan Hellebore. Ideal planted in a sheltered corner or in containers, flowering early in the year on the patio or moved to a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Evergreen, silver-veined foliage gives rise to red stems bearing blushed pink blooms from February to April.
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | immediately on receipt. |
|---|
Sow seed in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and leave at around 20C (68F) for 3 months. Then place the container and bag into a refrigerator (not freezer) for a further 3 months. Then, return to 20C. Germination can be slow. Examine container regularly and carefully transplant individual seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. If germination has not occurred within this period, then repeat the cycle as shown above.
An alternative method of germination is to sow as follows: After sowing, seal container inside a polythene bag and place in a cold frame or sheltered part of the garden. Check regularly and ensure compost does not dry out. Germination can take up to a year.
Growing Instructions
Plant out once plants are well grown, 45cm (18 inches) apart in a moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
Caution
Harmful if eaten. Skin irritant.
