Not Hardy: Hellebore Lividus

[Nachtvlinder]

Bought this thinking it was hardy as it was amongst all the others in the shop. Then I checked it up later and found it is a tender perennial - gahhhh! I don't think it'll survive in my Midlands garden (fairly sheltered). I accidentally broke off the main flowering stem that has loads of flowers on it (now in vase) and it's reduced to a few leaves at the base and no main stem.

Do you think it'll survive the winter temps if I fleece it each time the temps dip, or have I wasted my £10? I went through hellebore envy for a few weeks and bought this on a whim. I have about 3 main ones and 3 small self-seeders that have produced new colours that I've not had before. I just couldn't help myself.

The RHS website puts helleborus lividus at H4 which is fine down to -10, so it'll probably be fine! In a particularly cold snap you could fleece it or put a cloche packed with straw over it (not that I can be bothered with such faffing ).

I'm also a massive hellebore fan, although I don't have this one ... yet

Yes, it will be a hassle to fleece it if temps go really low. I'll have to invest in a cloche as well!!! (Never afforded the glass ones, but a plastic job will have to do.)

I'm sure you could get away with a thick mulch over it in a severe cold snap, similar to mulching dahlias left in the ground over winter.