Helleborus argutifolius, Corsican hellebore
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Perennials

Helleborus argutifolius

Corsican hellebore

RanunculaceaeCorsica, Sardinia, Balearic Islands

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Width24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Helleborus argutifolius is an upright, clump-forming evergreen perennial reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 24–36 inches (60–90 cm). Stems are stout and persist through the growing season, becoming woody at the base over time. Leaves are trifoliate, leathery, and blue-green to gray-green, with three leaflets bearing sharply toothed, holly-like margins. Each leaflet measures 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long. Flowers are cup-shaped, pale apple-green, 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) across, borne in large, multi-flowered, drooping clusters (cymes) of 10–30 blooms per stem from late January through April. Flowers face outward and slightly downward. Unlike most hellebores, the floral stems are biennial: they emerge in year one as vegetative growth, bloom in year two, then die after setting seed. The entire plant, including roots, is toxic if ingested. Older stems yellow and collapse after flowering; new stems replace them annually. The plant is monocarpic at the stem level, not the whole plant. Spreads slowly from the base and self-seeds moderately in suitable conditions.

Native Range

Native to Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands, growing in rocky, limestone scrub, maquis shrubland, and open woodland edges at elevations from sea level to approximately 4,900 feet (1,500 m). Typically found in well-drained, alkaline or neutral soils in partial shade to full sun.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and dry shade situations at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. Foliage and stem structure provide year-round interest; the plant is particularly useful in late-winter gardens when few other plants bloom. Self-seeding can colonize areas under deciduous trees where competition is low.

How to Identify

Identified by trifoliate, leathery, blue-gray-green leaves with sharply serrated, holly-like margins on stout, upright stems 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall. The three leaflets distinguish it from most other hellebore species, which have palmate compound leaves. Flowers are cup-shaped, pale apple-green, borne in large nodding cymes. Stems are perennial in appearance but biennial in function, dying after fruiting.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
chartreuse

Foliage Colors

blue green
gray green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
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WinterSpring
Blooms from late January through April, with peak flowering in February and March in zones 7–9. In zone 6, flowering typically begins in March. Individual flowers persist 6–8 weeks. Total bloom period on a single stem may span 8–12 weeks. Warm spells in winter accelerate bud development; prolonged hard freezes below 10°F (−12°C) may damage open flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale apple-green to chartreuse

Foliage Description

Blue-green to gray-green, leathery, trifoliate with sharply serrated holly-like margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamchalkrocky
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade to full sun; excessive summer moisture causes crown rot. Water during dry periods in the first growing season to establish roots; mature plants tolerate dry summers once established but produce fewer flowers. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer at label rates. Remove yellowing old stems at the base after flowering completes in late spring; do not cut green stems still bearing foliage. Plants self-seed freely; allow some seedlings to mature if naturalizing, or remove before they establish. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock; wear gloves when handling, as sap causes skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pruning

Remove spent flowering stems at the base after seed set in late spring to early summer, once stems have yellowed. Do not cut green, actively growing stems, as they support the following year's root development. Old foliage from the previous season can be removed in late winter, before new growth fully emerges, to improve air circulation and reduce disease. Divide clumps in early fall every 5–7 years if crowding reduces flower production, though plants perform best when left undisturbed.

Pruning Schedule

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winterlate spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans