Buy stinking hellebore Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk group'

Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk group'

Position: partial shade
Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: January to April
Flower colour: purple-margined, purple-green flowers
Other features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritation; dark greyish-green leaves give off an unpleasant odour when crushed
Hardiness: fully hardy

Nodding, bell-shaped, often sweetly scented, purple-margined pale green flowers on reddish-green stems from January to April. Both the stems and flower-stalks of this unusual perennial are infused with red. An improved form of the native 'stinking hellebore', it's perfect for brightening a shady mixed border with neutral to alkaline soil.
Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.