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Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus Foetidus

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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

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Photos (102)

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — are deeply divided into narrow
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — it emits a pungent scent when crushed; is a captivating perennial plant famed for its evergreen foliage, image 64
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — which can span up to 12 inches long; commonly known as Stinking Hellebore, image 71
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Blooms appear in late winter to early spring
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — aroma from which it receives its common name; low-maintenance option for shaded gardens, image 76
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — or used to underplant larger shrubs; consider its preference for well-drained, image 82
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — This resilient species requires minimal maintenance; it emits a pungent scent when crushed
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Typically found adorning partial to full shade gardens, this species thrives in U.S; the plant reveals its chartreuse
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — though not necessarily unpleasant; perennial for half or shade
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — scientifically named Helleborus foetidus; boasts evergreen foliage and chartreuse bell-shaped flowers
Helleborus Foetidus
Helleborus Foetidus
Helleborus Foetidus
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Helleborus Foetidus
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Helleborus Foetidus
Helleborus Foetidus
Helleborus Foetidus
Photographs by 7 contributors

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