This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: February to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  White flowers, which sometimes have a faint pink or green flush, are useful for illuminating areas of partial shade beneath deciduous trees or shrubs early in the year. This adaptable perennial can be used to carpet a woodland floor, fill gaps at the front of the border, or add a bit of pizzazz to a potted seasonal display.
  
  
• Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Cut the old leaves back down to the ground in January or February as this will show off the new emerging flowers to best effect. It will also help to get rid of foliar diseases such as Hellebore leaf spot. 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. Cut off the seed heads to prevent inferior seedlings colonising.