Helleborus croaticus

Croatian Hellebore is a bushy, clumping, evergreen, flowering perennial recently found in Croatia and is in the buttercup family. At maturity, it reaches 1 foot tall and blooms in winter to early spring with small cup-shaped flowers that are purple on the outside and green with purple veins inside. Blossoms usually appear on the tips of the plant's branched stems and the leaves are evergreen and dark green, glossy, leathery, deeply-lobed, and often toothed. The genus name comes from the Greek words bora meaning "food" and helein meaning "injures/destroys" in reference to the plant’s toxic leaves, stems and roots which are poisonous to humans if ingested. The species name reflects the plant's Croation origin.

Plant in average moist well-drained soil in an area where the plant can get some sun in winter and shade in the heat of the summer. Under deciduous trees work very well for this requirement. Plant where the plant's early blooms can be enjoyed when little else is blooming. The foliage is evergreen, but it may become scorched and tattered in extremely harsh winters. Cut back flowering stems after bloom to promote new foliage growth. Established plants can become congested, but can be divided in late summer to early fall. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant. These plants can be grown in mass plantings in shady locations or where the clumps will slowly spread through self-seeding.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot and leaf spot are occasional problems. Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous.

More information on Helleborus.