Red Helleborine Facts | Wildlife & Flora in the Cotswolds
The flowering shoots can reach 28 inches in height and may carry up to 20 flowers each, which vary from pink to red or uncommonly white. While they flower from May through July the flowers only last about 10 days from opening to falling off and some plants can go years without flowering. Since the majority of pollination in Europe occurs by the Chelostoma bee, which is not found in the UK, scientists are not currently sure how this species is pollinating.
A number of enthusiasts and professionals are working to help maintain and hopefully increase the prevalence of this species with plans to hopefully reintroduce it to sites where it has a historic presence. Overall, an incredibly scarce species which given its flowering patterns is a rare treat for anyone lucky enough to see it.