Helleborus lividus

Helleborus lividus 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 Helleborus lividus 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 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.