Helleborus foetidus
This species is the stinking hellebore with finely divided evergreen leaves. It carries many small bell like flowers in late winter to spring. Flowers are greenish with red edged bracts on showy stems. It performs best in partial shade and free draining soil. It suits sites with leaner soils once established. The foliage can smell unpleasant when bruised.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species
- Height × spread: 18 to 24 in (45 to 60 cm) × 12 to 18 in (30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: February to April
- Color & flower form: Drooping green cups with pale margins and showy bracts
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 5 to 9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Airier stems and finer leaf texture than the typical hybrid Lenten rose.
- Tolerates leaner, drier soils better than many hellebores.
- Flower clusters are smaller but more numerous than large hybrid blooms.
Strengths
- Evergreen structure through winter.
- Early nectar source and widely noted for pollinator value.
- Deer browsing is uncommon.
Care in one minute
- Grow in partial shade with protection from harsh winter wind.
- Provide well drained, humus enriched soil; avoid waterlogging.
- Water to establish then sparingly except in drought.
- Remove spent flowering stems to refresh foliage.
- Leave clumps undisturbed; divide only if needed.
Watch‑outs
- Not reliably hardy in colder parts of zone 5.
- Old stems can look tatty after bloom and benefit from removal.
- Leaf spot can mark foliage in damp weather.
Best uses (tags)
woodland, borders, shade tolerant, pollinators, naturalizing
Provenance note
Native to western and central Europe. Cultivated for centuries for its distinctive foliage and late winter bloom.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Helleborus foetidus
- RHS advice: Hellebore leaf spot
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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