Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus): Winter Blooms with Dramatic Foliage

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) has early, long-lasting, sometimes fragrant blooms in clusters late winter to early spring. Pendent flowers are muted yellow-green, often with purple margins, with large pale green bracts.

Dramatic Foliage

Deeply-cut foliage holds up through winter. Leaves smell unpleasant when crushed. Provides good contrast to almost any companion planting.

Culture & Propagation

Rich, well-drained soil in part shade. Best raised from seed—not suitable for division.

Problems

Slugs, snails, aphids, leaf spot, black rot.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Light: Part shade only
• Moisture: Dry to medium
• Attributes: Deer resistant, fragrant flowers, showy flowers & foliage
• Bloom Time: Spring, winter
• Flower Colors: Green, yellow
• Uses: Beds, borders, woodland gardens