In The Garden Now…Corsican Hellebore

Helleborus argutifolius

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Here it is late winter and my favorite hellebore is in full bloom right outside the front door! I love the waxy chartreuse flower clusters that contrast so beautifully with the dramatic blue-green leathery leaves. I always forget how exotic this plant looks and how easy it is to grow. I wouldn't be without it in my garden!

Corsican Hellebore is native to the Mediterranean Islands of Corsica and Sardinia. It will grow in full sun to shade and is quite happy in a wide variety of soil types although it does like good drainage.  

This evergreen perennial will be two to three feet high and wide. If grown in shade the plant may stretch a bit and need to be staked. It is quite drought tolerant as well. If you leave a flower head or two to go to seed and have bare soil nearby you'll probably find the bonus of baby hellebore plants to share with friends and neighbors.

There are a number of Corsican hellebore varieties available that are more compact plants or have variegated foliage. I have grown many of these varieties in the past but have found that the basic Corsican Hellebore species is the survivor in my garden … that goes a long ways in my book!

Don't miss Corsican Hellebore in the garden now!

Note: All parts of the hellebore plant are poisonous if eaten, so plant away from children and pet play areas. Explain to your children when they can understand that the hellebore plant is to look at not to eat. 

If you would like more information about plant toxicity check out the Washington Poison Center website or call the office at 1-800-222-1222.

Botanical Name:  Helleborus argutifolius (H. corsicus)

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.