Species

Helleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

12 other cultivars

perennial

Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Autumn Moon'

The Story

Plant Bio

Evergreen perennial with deeply divided, dark green leaves. Features clusters of nodding, bell-shaped, chartreuse-green flowers, often edged with purple, that bloom in late winter.

Distinctive for its new foliage which emerges a bright chartreuse-yellow in spring, gradually maturing to a soft mint-green.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides early spring color with charming nodding green flowers, enhancing shaded garden areas.

Prefers shade and moist soil, ideal for low-maintenance shade gardens.

Supports pollinators, especially early-season bees and insects.

SpeciesHelleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18"

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

High

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in late summer for natural stratification.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
Plant in well-draining soil with partial shade for optimal growth.
Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant in early fall when the plant is dormant to established beds.

Pro Tip

Use organic compost to improve soil fertility and ensure healthy foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
Apply organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist
Fertilize with organic compost annually

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not disturb roots during the active growing season
Never fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers late in the season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenMoist border with evergreen backdropShade-tolerant perennial bed

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Pulmonaria Epimedium Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Stinking Hellebore questions

What zones can Stinking Hellebore grow in?

Stinking Hellebore is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Stinking Hellebore deer resistant?

Yes — Stinking Hellebore is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Stinking Hellebore bloom?

Stinking Hellebore typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Stinking Hellebore need full sun?

Stinking Hellebore does best in part shade.

Is Stinking Hellebore drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Stinking Hellebore handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.