Helleborus foetidus Flower (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Late winter early spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 60cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 6a – 9b
Family: Ranunculaceae
Helleborus foetidus is a short lived evergreen herbaceous perennial plant. Its dark green leaves are glossy, deeply palmately divided with narrow dark green leaflets. The stem of this plant is thick and succulent. Its yellow/ green flowers are pendent, cup shaped, are often purple edged and up to 2cm across. These are produced on upright stems and are borne in large open clusters and remain on the plant for several months.
Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as Stinking Hellebore, Dungwort, Stinkwort and Bear’s Foot, is native to much of Europe, including the UK. It is found in many parts of England especially on limestone soil. Despite its common name it is not particularly stinking, although the crushed leaves do produce an unpleasant smell.
Helleborus foetidus (11/03/2012, Kew, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Helleborus is from the classical name for Helleborus niger. Foetidus is derived from the Latin fetidus ’foul-smelling’.
The landscape architect may find Helleborus foetidus useful as a short lived native, evergreen herbaceous plant with dramatic foliage. It is suitable for shady locations including the woodland setting. Care should be taken when locating this plant as all parts are poisonous. This plant will self seed and naturalise.
Ecologically, H. foetidus is very attractive to bees and insects for its nectar.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given H. foetidus their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
H. foetidus prefers moist, deep, humus rich, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers lime soils.
H. foetidus requires little maintenance.