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Helleborus foetidus

stinking hellebore

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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

  • InformationThis perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
  • InformationHumans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant

Product options

Product options image
RH30007466
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from spring
Product options image
RH30007566
3 × 9cm pots
was £29.97 now £19.99
available to order from spring
Product options image
PL00003066
2 litre pot
£22.99
available to order from spring
Product options image
PL30008069
3 × 2 litre pots
was £68.97 now £54.99
available to order from spring
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Standard delivery Standard Delivery£5.95

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