Click for previous Image Image 1 of 2 Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922 Hellebore
Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922 - Hellebore from Quackin Grass Nursery

Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922 - an aging flower with foliage just beginning to stir; Rachel beaming in this pic.

Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922

Hellebore

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922 - This lovely Helleborus is more demure than the larger H. x hybridus cultivars. Purple early to mid-spring single hellebore flowers top dissected, toothed and matte-finished leaves in a palmate form. The flowers occur early in the Hellebore processional, usually shortly after H. niger and H. orientals subsp. abchasicus. Hellebores are incestuous as evidenced by the taxonomists changing the H. orientalis moniker to x hybridus. Why? Because the taxonomy was so confused because of all the interbreeding. But these are true H. purpurascens having been grown from a selection made in its wild haunts. Some morning sun to dappled shade in fertile, moisture retaining soil. Established potted Purple Hellebore from division.


Height:

9-10 in

Spread:

12-15 in

Colors:

Purple

Zone:

(3)4 to 8(9)
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Helleborus purpurascens WM.9922

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / into Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Border
  • Woodland
  • Collector Plant
  • Cottage Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Slow

Soil

  • Draining
  • Fertile
  • Moist

Origins

  • Western Europe

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Helleborus

Hellebores are indispensible in the woodland garden. They are among the earliest, herbaceous plants with the largest, showiest flowers to brave late winter/early spring cold temperatures and shine, shine, shine! Flowers often age to chartreuse (certainly in H. x hybridus) extending the bloom effect. The foliage for most of the following perennials lasts for nearly 3 seasons – from spring until the following winter solstice in northeastern Connecticut. It is said that lime in the planting hole is helpful. We have never done so and they perform wonderfully for us. Open shade, dappled conditions, morning sun/afternoon shade is best. Plant them in any good woodland soil with organic matter. All of the following are offered as pot grown by good old-fashioned perennial division. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.