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Veratrum nigrum (Black false hellebore)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Veratrum nigrum
Other names
Black false hellebore, Dark-flowered white hellebore
Genus
Veratrum Veratrum
Species
V. nigrum - V. nigrum is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with pleated, broadly elliptic, mid- to dark green leaves and erect stems bearing large panicles of pungent, star-shaped, maroon or dark reddish-brown flowers in summer.
Veratrum nigrum is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Toxicity
Highly toxic to humans, mammals, and insects, including bees.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Reddish-brown, Maroon in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove faded flower spike.
Propagation
Sow in a cold frame as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Veratrum nigrum (Black false hellebore) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wallside and trellises, Underplanting, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Can be grown in sun if soil does not dry out. Best in a cool woodland garden or against a north-facing wall. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Veratrum nigrum
Other names
Black false hellebore, Dark-flowered white hellebore
Genus
Veratrum Veratrum
Species
V. nigrum - V. nigrum is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with pleated, broadly elliptic, mid- to dark green leaves and erect stems bearing large panicles of pungent, star-shaped, maroon or dark reddish-brown flowers in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Toxicity
Highly toxic to humans, mammals, and insects, including bees.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Reddish-brown, Maroon in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
General care
Pruning
Remove faded flower spike.
Propagation
Sow in a cold frame as soon as ripe.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Veratrum nigrum (Black false hellebore) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wallside and trellises, Underplanting, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Wildlife, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Can be grown in sun if soil does not dry out. Best in a cool woodland garden or against a north-facing wall. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
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