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Helleborus multifidus
Plant Type:
SHADE PERENNIALSHelleborus multifidus – is a little charmer, not commonly offered. It is very early to emerge for us, often with and sometimes just before the snowdrops and Adonis amurensis. The foil of bronze to purple tinted foliage encircles cupping the brilliant round lime green buds that look like small marbles. The bright green buds surrounded by that purple-bronze halo of foliage is simply one of those magical ephemeral moments that become indelibly seared on one’s mind, and oh, so welcome after a long winter. The stems grow taller as the foliage unfurls, turns green as the flowers open into apple green cups. We love this small-growing hellebore. Plant these in woodland conditions. Though we have never bothered to lime our plants (and they are perfectly content) they do naturally grow in calcareous conditions. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended. Helleborus multifidus is a delicate clumping perennial. It comes to us from the Balkans and Yugoslavia. This was originally sold to us as H. cyclophyllus but R. Tyler from Pine Knot Farms redirected us. Established pot grown hellebore from division.
Characteristics and Attributes for Helleborus multifidus
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Late Winter / Spring
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
Light
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Dappled Shade
- Shade
Attributes
- Border
- Woodland
- Accent
- Rock Garden
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Slow
Soil
- Fertile
- Draining
- Moist
- Woodland
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.