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Helleborus foetidus

Stinking Hellebore

Award Winner Loved by Pollinators Low Maintenance Hardiness H7

Pale green bell-shaped flowers rise above finely divided evergreen foliage on Helleborus foetidus from winter into spring. This hardy native-style hellebore tolerates dry shade and difficult ground beneath trees, making it useful for naturalistic woodland and wildlife-friendly planting.
SKU: HELL-5-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, flowering month
February, flowering month
March, flowering month
April, flowering month
May, not a flowering month
June, not a flowering month
July, not a flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Max Spread
0.1 m — 0.5 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun Part Shade
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South North West East
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H7 (< −20 °C) Extremely hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Clay Loam
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Flower Borders
Merits
  • Low Maintenance
  • Loved By Pollinators
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Helleborus foetidus Description

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as stinking hellebore, is an architectural evergreen perennial with upright stems clothed in narrow, deeply divided dark green leaves. Clusters of pale green, bell-shaped flowers often edged with red appear from winter into spring and provide early nectar for insects. Plants generally reach around 60 to 80cm high and develop a naturally loose, woodland habit. Grow in partial shade or full shade in fertile but well-drained soil. Once established it tolerates dry ground and root competition beneath trees and shrubs. It is fully hardy and well suited to Irish gardens. Cut flowering stems to the base after seed has formed or when they begin to deteriorate. The foliage has a distinctive smell when crushed, and all parts are harmful if eaten.

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