Helleborus Lividus

Helleborus lividus is a beautiful evergreen endemic of Mallorca, forming a compact clump of leathery, blue-grey leaves divided into three marbled leaflets. Pink-tinted stems carry open clusters of nodding pale green flowers, softly washed with rose or purple, from midwinter into early spring. The foliage and flowers bring Mediterranean colour at the darkest time of year, especially in a sheltered courtyard or cool greenhouse. Less hardy than many hellebores, it needs protection from cold winds and winter saturation. All parts are poisonous and the sap may irritate skin.