Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore)


Botanical Information

FamilyRanunculaceae
GenusHelleborus
Speciesfoetidus
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to Central and Southern Europe, Greece and Asia Minor.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-20
Temperature (°F)-4
Height30 - 91 cm
Spread30 - 45 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodFebruary, March, April

Description and Growing Information

ShapeErect and spreading.
LandscapeBorders, flower beds and woodland and shade gardens.
PropagationSelf-seed, transplant seedlings, and division of clumps.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Organically rich, medium moisture and well-drained soil with a pH of alkaline. Prefers humusy soil.
PestsCrown rot and leaf spot can be a problem. Deer tolerant.
HabitatWoodlands.
Leaf DescriptionDeeply lobed and divided into 7 - 10 narrow, lance-shaped to elliptic and usually toothed leaves.
Flower DescriptionFlowers appear in cluster of drooping, bell-shaped flowers that are 2 - 3 cm wide subtended by bracts and bloom at the tips of stems.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are dark green. The flowers are greenish-white.

Photographs