Log in Start trial

Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus Foetidus

Design with this plant

Overview

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as Stinking Hellebore, boasts evergreen foliage and chartreuse bell-shaped flowers. Thriving in USDA zones 5 to 9, it prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. This perennial reaches 18-24 inches in height and spreads up to 12-18 inches. Notable for its drought tolerance and deer resistance, it emits a pungent scent when crushed, providing a unique, low-maintenance option for shaded gardens. Blooms appear in late winter to early spring.

Sun Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–9Type PerennialClimate Temperate

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Blooms appear in late winter to early spring; or used to underplant larger shrubs, image 66

Culture

Sun: Half, Shade
Water: Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones: 5–9

Shape & size

Mature height: 2–3 Ft.
Mature width: 2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type: Perennial
Family: Ranunculaceae
Climate: Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (102)

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — aroma from which it receives its common name; low-maintenance option for shaded gardens

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9.<br><br>Its leathery

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — This perennial reaches 18-24 inches in height and spreads up to 12-18 inches; textural backdrop and splashes of

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Typically found adorning partial to full shade gardens, this species thrives in U.S

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Notable for its drought tolerance and deer resistance

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — is a captivating perennial plant famed for its evergreen foliage and uniquely nodding; scientifically named

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — This resilient species requires minimal maintenance

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — It is also deer resistant, adding value for gardens in high-deer areas; notable for its drought tolerance and deer

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Blooms appear in late winter to early spring; or used to underplant larger shrubs

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — the plant reveals its chartreuse; this resilient species requires minimal maintenance, image 74

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — textural backdrop and splashes of winter color when little else blooms

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — scientifically named Helleborus foetidus

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — commonly known as Stinking Hellebore; this perennial reaches 18-24 inches in height and spreads up to 12-18 inches

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — contributing a fine texture to the landscape, image 44

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — aroma from which it receives its common name

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — It is also deer resistant, adding value for gardens in high-deer areas

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — which can span up to 12 inches long

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — It can be planted in shaded borders; which can span up to 12 inches long, image 81

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Thriving in USDA zones 5 to 9, it prefers partial shade and well-drained soil

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — green flowers in the garden

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — low-maintenance option for shaded gardens

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Notable for its drought tolerance and deer resistance; thriving in USDA zones 5 to 9, it prefers partial shade and

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9.<br><br>Its leathery; it can be planted in shaded borders

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — is a captivating perennial plant famed for its evergreen foliage and uniquely nodding; scientifically, image 68

Photographs by 15 contributors

Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Pauline Eccles, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Zefram, CC BY 2.0 de · source
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0 · source
Joan Simon from Barcelona, España, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Wildfeuer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Bernd Haynold, CC BY 2.5 · source
Drew Avery, CC BY 2.0 · source
Olivier S, CC BY 3.0 · source
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Josep Gesti, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Arkelin, CC BY 4.0 · source

Related plants

Anemone Clematis (Clematis Montana) — it is essential to provide it with well-drained soil and a position in full sun to partial shade

Vine

Anemone Clematis

Clematis Montana

FullUSDA 3–10

Arabella Clematis (Clematis X 'Arabella') — Each blossom spans 2-3 inches across, adding vibrant color and visual interest

Shrub

Arabella Clematis

Clematis X 'Arabella'

Beesia (Beesia Deltophylla) — is an evergreen perennial treasured for its heart-shaped glossy leaves and delicate bloom

Ground cover

Beesia

Beesia Deltophylla

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–9

Belladonna Delphinium (Delphinium X Bel. 'Bellamosum') — perennial with blue and violet blooms; deadheading spent flowers will promote a potential second bloom

Perennial

Belladonna Delphinium

Delphinium X Bel. 'Bellamosum'

Black Negligee Snakeroot (Actaea 'Black Negligee') — Recognized for its striking

Perennial

Black Negligee Snakeroot

Actaea 'Black Negligee'

Black Snakeroot (Actaea Racemosa) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8

Perennial

Black Snakeroot

Actaea Racemosa