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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 5–9Climate Temperate
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — commonly known as Stinking Hellebore

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

Family
Ranunculaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (82)

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9.<br><br>Its leathery; it can be planted in shaded, image 70
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — though not necessarily unpleasant; perennial for half or shade, image 75
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — the plant reveals its chartreuse; this resilient species requires minimal maintenance, image 74
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — consider its preference for well-drained; fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH, image 78
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — aroma from which it receives its common name; low-maintenance option for shaded gardens, image 76
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus Foetidus) — reaching approximately 1 to 2 inches in size; are deeply divided into narrow, image 77
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, image 80
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) — fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH; perennial with green blooms, image 79

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