This perennial is semi-evergreen so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: November to January
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This unique hellebore is the first white-flowered form that has the potential to be in flower on Christmas Day. If kept in a pot, it can be brought inside in November (to a bright spot well away from a radiator) and it should soon produce masses of buds that open over several weeks. After 4-5 weeks, it should be gradually acclimatised to outdoor temperatures and then planted out in the garden, where it may continue to flower intermittently for another few weeks. This plant makes a great seasonal gift, but is equally useful for livening up a shady spot in the garden during the winter.
  
  
• Garden care: 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.