Helleborus orientalis, Helelbore

Helleborus is a low growing evergreen perennial. Its cultivation is not always easy because it prefers a rich limy soil and partial shade and dislikes drought. It also grows well in the shade of north-facing walls. This Helleborus field is located in the Botanical Gardens of Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. The plants are growing in perfect for them conditions in partial shade and rich well drained soil and only very few grasses can be seen around them. Most of the helleborus plants look to be self-seeded creating this interesting evergreen canopy through which different colours appear in early spring. It is very ornamental plant and also favorite food for slugs. In this garden the helleborus plants have ornamental but also educational function.

The plants re-establish very slowly when divided so they should best be left 

undisturbed for 6-7 years before being divided. 

This fact can explain the establishment of a small helleborus field in the university gardens.