Guide to Growing White Hellebore - Veratrum
Veratrum is a genus of hardy perennials that range from 90 cm to 3 m in height.
They have a foliage of large leaves and bloom in the summer.
When in bloom Veratrum carry spiked browny-purple or greeny-white flowers.
Some common varieties of Veratrum grown in the garden include White Hellebore, Indian poke and False hellebore.
Veratrum album by Kabacchi.
How to Grow White Hellebore
When growing Veratrum species such as white hellebore it is probably easiest to purchase them from a garden centre or from a divided plant; plant out following the last frost of spring.
When growing White hellebore (and other Veratrum species) from seed sow into flats in the spring at a depth of about 5 mm. Cover the flat with a plastic bag and put in the fridge for about three weeks. Then sink the flat in a shady area, cover with glass and keep moist. Veratrum germination can take anything from three to eighteen months. When seedlings appear transplant them to their final location about 75 cm apart.
Hellebore should be grown in a shady or partially shaded part of the garden and likes a very moist light soil.
Caring for White Hellebore - Veratrum
Though hard to grow from seed once they become established white Hellebore and other Veratrum are pretty easy to look after; they require a very moist soil so keep well watered, to aid this supply a mulch every spring. If you require more plants then propagate Veratrum by division at the start of spring.