Veratrum album

Veratrum album is a large hardy perennial originally from the mountains of Europe to Asia, often used in homeopathy as a remedy for gastric problems and better known as white false hellebore.

It can take a long time to establish and form robust rootstock producing a large rosette of round and pleated, decorative leaves that can exceed 40cm (16in) in diameter. In early summer, long stalks 1.50m (5ft) to 1.70m (6ft) high bear lots of white and green flower spikes.

This architectural plant is spectacular as a specimen and creates magnificent natural scenes when grown with ferns in a cool rockery.

White Hellebore takes a long time to establish and is not common in gardens. In the first few years, the plant forms its crown and establishes its roots deep in the ground. After 2-3 years of cultivation, the foliage develops and starts to become imposing. It will take another year to see the first flower stalks.

Veratrum is a perennial with a very long lifespan like peonies, also taking time to become spectacular.