Description
(syn. Helleborus viridis occidentalis)
Helleborus occidentalis was once regarded as a form of viridis but now stands as a species in its own right. To the casual eye there is little difference, but there are several, somewhat minor botanical differences and it grows more to the north and west than viridis and is spread from the UK across France, Spain and Germany.
It has basal leaves with toothed edges which are hairless beneath. These leaves are lost in the winter but regrow in spring along with clusters of bright green flowers each about 3cm across, which are held on long pedicels. Despite this green colouring, they are remarkably conspicuous and their precocious flowers are a valuable feature of the early spring garden.
It is easy to grow needing just a reasonable soil in half shade. It does not take too badly to brighter light and will flower better, but die back sooner. In deeper shade, it grows more luxuriantly, stays green longer but perhaps flowers a little less well.
New stock raised from a JMH collection number, (8901) different to our other stock. This originated in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Lerida province, where it was found on the Puerto de la Bonaigua at 1850 m over 30 years ago.
