Veratrum viride
Indian poke, American hellebore, Green hellebore, Swamp hellebore, White hellebore
- Height × spread
- 2m × 0.6m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This plant has a presence, especially in the early weeks when it is powering its way up. Rising from the earth with a thick column of large leaves sheathing the stem, folding their edges back and outwards as they unfurl. It will eventually settle itself to a large foliage clump with a flower spike bearing masses of tiny greenish-yellow bell shaped flowers, it must be said, a trifle disappointing. It flowers in midsummer and, with the flowers, can occasionally reach 2m (7ft) height with a 60cm (2ft) spread if well grown. The root of the plant contains alkaloids that were once used in the treatment of blood pressure. Give this a lightly shaded woodland site with humus rich soil and plenty of moisture. There should be a slug warning!
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.