Helleborus purpurascens

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: December to March
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Often the first flowers can be seen low to the ground in December (usually before the new foliage appears), but they continue to open as the red-spotted stems grow, right through until early spring. A variable but very pretty deciduous clump-forming perennial that makes excellent groundcover in partial shade.
  
  
• Garden care: Keep well watered during dry spells and provide shelter from icy winds. When planting out, add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.