stinking hellebore
Helleborus foetidus
RHS AGM 1993, RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Greenish-white
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland settings, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist, loamy, clay, or chalky soil. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Small, creamy green flowers with burgundy edges open in clusters in late winter. The leathery, deeply cut leaves stay evergreen all year.
Pairs well with Stained Glass hosta, Japanese forest grass, and Autumn fern.
Native range
Europe, Africa, Baleares, Corse, and 1 more places. See all 5
Europe, Africa, Baleares, Corse, and Sicilia.