Helleborus foetidus, the Stinking Hellebore or Bear's Foot, is a bushy evergreen perennial plant. It's common name comes from the unusual musky scent the leaves make when crushed.
This Helleborus plant is native to parts of western Europe, and suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. It is rated as being extremely hardy (H7) by the RHS.
Gardeners mainly grow Stinking Hellebore for its winter interest and shade tolerance characteristics. It is great for bringing a little color to the garden during winter and early spring.
It typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2 feet (45 to 60 cm), and has a similar spread.
The foliage is a rich, deep green. Leaves are finely divided, giving a delicate texture look to the plant.
Its clustered, bell-shaped, nodding flowers are green, and often edged with purple. These bloom from late winter to early spring.
Stinking Hellebore thrives in woodland gardens, shady borders, or as ground cover in shaded areas.
How to Grow Helleborus foetidus in the Garden
Stinking Hellebore prefers to grow in sheltered areas that have partial to full shade. This makes it ideal for darker corners of the garden. Use a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter.
Once established, plants require little care. Water moderately to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. No need to feed the plant with fertilizer, so long as it is being grown in rich soil. Use an autumn mulch.
Propagate from fresh seeds (viability decreases over time). Sow in late spring to early summer. Can be sown in pots.
Once established, Helleborus foetidus can readily self-seed, and can spread if left unchecked. To control spread, simply remove spent flowers before they set-seed.
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and may also cause skin irritation. You may waish to take this into consideration if you have young children or pets.
Quick Stinking Hellebore Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Helleborus foetidus
Common Name(s): Stinking Hellebore, Bear's Foot.
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 5-9. RHS Hardiness Rating: H7 (Hardy throughout Europe – very cold winters).
Best Used For / Garden Location: Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, wildflower meadows, or as ground cover.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Evergreen, perennial.
Plant Height: 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m).
Plant Spread: 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.45 m).
Blooms: Late winter to early spring.
Flower Details: Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, bell-shaped, and clustered.
Leaf Foliage: Leaves are dark green, divided into 7-10 narrow segments.
Fruit: Clusters of seed capsules.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Partial to full shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.
Sowing / planting: Sow fresh seeds in early summer, or in pots in autumn under a cold frame. More rarely, divide plants in early spring.
Germination time: Seed germination takes from six weeks to several months.
Propagation: Propagation is usually done by sowing seeds. Can self-seed.
Plant Care: Minimal care. Remove faded flowers and old leaves in spring. Autumn mulching can be beneficial. Keep soil moist.
Growing in pots and containers: Not usually grown in containers.
Growing as a House plant: Not grown as a houseplant.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Can self-seed freely.
Pests and diseases: May be susceptible to pests such as hellebore leaf miner, snails, and aphids. Stunting can occur if affected by the Helleborus net necrosis virus.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk' has red-tinted stems and leaves.
Family: Ranunculaceae, the Buttercup family.
Native: Western Europe.
References and Further Reading: RHS Helleborus foetidus; MBG Plant Finder; OSU: Herbaceous Plant of the Week.
Common Questions
Does Helleborus foetidus make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Helleborus foetidus can make a good garden plant for shaded and sheltered parts of the garden. This evergreen blooms in winter and early spring, making it a nice plant to grow if you wish to add some color to the garden at this time of the year.
Is Helleborus foetidus a fragrant plant?
The plant does not give off a fragrance, but its leaves give off an unpleasant grassy/musky smell when crushed.
What is the perfect garden location to grow Stinking Hellebore?
Locate Stinking Hellebore in a partially shaded spot, that is sheltered and has a moist fertile soil with good drainage.
Is Stinking Hellebore invasive in the USA?
Although a European native, it is not considered invasive in the USA. It does self-seed readily, so can require a little bit of control to prevent spread in the garden.
How do I remove Stinking Hellebore from my garden?
To remove it, first dig around the base to loosen soil. Then lift out the plant and its roots using a fork.
Summary
Helleborus foetidus, is a European woodland plant that is known by most gardeners as the Stinking Hellebore. Locate it in partial to full shade, using a moist, well-drained soil. Plants are winter hardy, producing green clusters of flowers from late winter to early spring.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow Stinking Hellebore. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Winter Aconite, Ranunculus Plant, Clematis, and Delphinium plants in the garden.
