Helleborus cyclophyllus (29/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Late winter early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 50cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Ranunculaceae
Helleborus cyclophyllus is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a variable habit. Its dark green leaves are circular, deeply palmately divided with five leaflets. Its leaflets are lanceolate with serrulate margins. Its green flowers are pendent, cup shaped, produced on upright stems and up to 6cm across.
Helleborus cyclophyllus Flower (29/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Helleborus cyclophyllus, commonly known as Greek Hellebore, is native to the Balkans. In its native habitat to grows on mountain slopes, grassy banks and scrub.
The etymological root of the binomial name Helleborus is from the classical name for Helleborus niger. Cyclophyllus is derived from the Greek kyklo meaning ‘circular’ and phyllon meaning leaf’.
The landscape architect may find Helleborus cyclophyllus useful as an attractive early flowering herbaceous perennial suitable for planting at woodland margins. Care should be taken when locating this plant as all parts are poisonous.
Helleborus cyclophyllus Leaf (29/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Helleborus cyclophyllus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Helleborus cyclophyllus prefers moist, deep, humus rich, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers lime soils.
Helleborus cyclophyllus requires little maintenance.
