James Burghardt
Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Helleborus foetidus
Plant Common Name
Foetid Hellebore, Stinking Hellebore
General Description
The foetid hellebore is an attractive winter blooming perennial that produces many beautiful bright green flowers. The delightful blooms of this unfortunately named plant are not particularly stinky, although other parts of the plant have a nasty smell when crushed. Native to western and central Europe, this hardy plant adds a bright touch to the garden when not much else is green.
The evergreen foliage of foetid hellebore is attractive in its own right. The leaves are deeply divided with long lance-shaped fingers. They are usually dark green with coarse teeth along the edges. The long-lasting cup- or bell-shaped, greenish purple flowers bloom from midwinter to spring and become greener as the season progresses. The flowers are often visited by bees and ants which aid in pollination and seed distribution.
Grow this hellebore in a spot with full to dappled sun and rich, fertile, alkaline soil. Plant it in groups under trees or in beds where you can enjoy its winter blooms. Choose the site carefully since mature hellebores tend to transplant poorly. Propagate by seed or division in spring or fall. Hellebores make delightful, long-lasting cut flowers.
There are potential health concerns regarding this hellebore. For more information visit http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Hellefo.htm
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
24"-32" / 61.0cm - 81.3cm
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Cutflower, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
