Helleborus nigercors Royal Sofia

Helleborus x nigercors Royal Sofia is a magnificent bicolour variety with a large pure white corolla striped with lime green in soft and sparkling shades.

This perennial is the result of cross-breeding between Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) and Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore). From December to March, large flowers with white corollas striped with green appear, fading into purplish tones, measuring 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. The Hellebore has a bushy habit and is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F) with winter interest.

It is a sturdy, not too tall plant (30 cm (12in) in height) with very attractive dark green foliage that is evergreen and quite tough. Its basal leaves measure 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) in length. The foliage is evergreen. One of its main assets is its long and exuberant flowering. In the first year alone, more than twenty flowers can appear. New flowers constantly form, ensuring a beautiful contrast between the new flowers and the faded ones.

It is perfect for cut flowers and also covers the ground well. It pairs well with ferns or Iris foetidissima, lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver', and Erythronium. It is a toxic flower. It is a sterile hybrid, and its propagation is very difficult through vegetative means.