Helleborus foetidus
foetid 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 Helleborus foetidus is aptly named—its foliage gives off a distinct, slightly earthy scent when crushed.
This clump-forming, architectural perennial is ideal for a shady border or woodland garden, or beneath deciduous shrubs, where its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure through autumn and winter.
This clump-forming, architectural perennial is ideal for a shady border or woodland garden, or beneath deciduous shrubs, where its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure through autumn and winter.
How to care for Helleborus foetidus:
Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Cut the old leaves back down to the ground in January or February as this will show off the new emerging flowers to best effect. It will also help to reduce/minimise the spread of any foliar diseases (such as hellebore leaf spot if present.
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. Cut off the seed heads to prevent inferior seedlings colonising.
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. Cut off the seed heads to prevent inferior seedlings colonising.
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
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin irritant
