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Key characteristics

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: Up to 3 feet
Width: Up to 3 feet
Flower color: Pale green to cream
Foliage color: Dark green with spiny-toothed leaflets
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun to light or open shade
Water: Moderate; prefers well-drained or sandy soil
Maintenance: Low; remove old foliage in late winter
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees

Perennials

Helleborus argutifolius

Corsican Hellebore

Helleborus argutifolius, commonly known as Corsican hellebore, is an evergreen perennial native to the island of Corsica. It produces large, showy clusters of pale green to cream flowers, which bloom in early spring, typically from January to March. These flowers have a slightly nodding appearance and are surrounded by glossy, dark green, spiny-toothed foliage, adding both texture and interest to the garden.

This species is well-suited for shady or woodland gardens, where its bold foliage and early spring blooms offer year-round visual appeal.

Light

Full sun to light or open shade

Water

Moderate; prefers well-drained or sandy soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis

Design tip

Flowers in the quietest months make this worth a sheltered spot within sight of a window or door. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)