Helleborus lividus (Majorcan Hellebore)

Native to the Mediterranean island of Majorca, Helleborus lividus (Majorcan Hellebore) is an evergreen perennial with open clusters of up to 8 or 10 outfacing, cup-shaped, pale rose-pink to silver-green flowers, 1-2 in. wide (3-5 cm). Blooming heavily for weeks from mid-winter to early spring, these delicate beauties flatten as they age and rise on short green stems with a varying degree of pink flushing. The glossy leaves are divided into three blue-green leaflets with a striking silvery veining which creates a marbled effect. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its pink tint on the undersides of the foliage, on the stems, the leaf petioles, and the flowers. Showy and long-lasting, this Hellebore is noticeably less cold-hardy than others. It is hardy from Zones 8 to 9 but marginally hardy in Zone 7.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-36 in. wide (45-90 cm).
• Performs best in part shade, in rich, humusy, moist, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Protect this plant from the extreme cold with a light mulch of straw.
• Drought tolerant once established, it is deer resistant.
• Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to shady borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, under trees or large shrubs, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
• Hellebore flowers provide valuable nectar for early pollinators. Hellebore is not generally a plant that deer or other animals seek out to eat, but if other food sources are scarce, they may come along and make a meal out of your Hellebore.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, snails, hellebore leaf spot, and hellebore black death.
• Remove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear.
• Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort and skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.