Helleborus foetidus
stinking hellebore
Nodding, bell-shaped, pale green flowers with purple edges appear above clumps of deeply divided dark green leaves from January to April. Our native 'stinking hellebore' is aptly named as the leaves give off an unpleasant odour when crushed. This is an unusual, architectural plant for a shady border or woodland garden, or beneath deciduous shrubs, where its evergreen foliage can be shown off in autumn and winter.
How to care for Helleborus foetidus:
Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould, compost or manure to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant
2 litre pot
£24.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 2 litre pots
£54.99
£18.33 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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