Black Hellebore
Helleborus niger
- Native to:
- Austria, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Switzerland
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Helleborus
- Species:
- Helleborus niger
- USDA Symbol:
- HENI6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to mountainous regions, prefers humus-rich soil
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist then warm stratification (double dormancy) — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require a warm period (3 months at 20°C) followed by cold stratification (3 months at 4°C) for germination.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Use repeated cycles of 20°C, then 4°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * dry storage impairs germination
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)