Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore)

Unjustly named Stinking Hellebore, award-winning Helleborus foetidus provides gardeners with some of the greatest pleasures in winter. This evergreen perennial features large, open, and long-lasting clusters of cheerful chartreuse, bell-shaped flowers, 1 in. wide (2 cm), edged with dark red. Blooming heavily for weeks from late winter to mid-spring, these nodding beauties rise on sturdy, erect stems above handsome foliage of leathery, narrow, fan-like (palmately divided), dark green leaves. Flowers and bruised foliage are unpleasantly aromatic, releasing a moderately rank, grassy smell – thus the common name. Drought-tolerant, Helleborus foetidus is also one of the finest perennials for dry shade.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
• Grows slowly in a clump, up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Although this perennial is usually not long-lived (4-5 years), it will often self-seed in satisfactory growing conditions and keep its cool presence in the garden.
• Performs best in part shade, in rich, humusy, moist, alkaline, well-drained soils. Full sun is tolerated. Hellebores are very tolerant and will grow well in most soils as long as the ground is not extremely dry or stagnantly waterlogged. Select a sheltered site to protect them from cold winter winds. Mulch annually in the fall.
• Drought tolerant once established, it is deer resistant.
• Easy to grow, this plant is a welcomed addition to shady borders, containers, under trees or large shrubs, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.
• Watch for snails and aphids or hellebore leaf spot.
• Remove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
• Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe.
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort and skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
• Native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, Greece, and Asia Minor.