Species

Helleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

12 other cultivars

perennial

Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly'

The Story

Plant Bio

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as the stinking hellebore, is an evergreen perennial with clump-forming growth, deeply divided dark green foliage, and tall clusters of nodding, bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers in late winter to early spring.

The Piccadilly cultivar is distinguished by its more vigorous growth and slightly brighter yellow flowers, adding ornamental interest during the winter months when few other plants bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides early spring color with fragrant, nodding flowers, and evergreen foliage for year-round interest.

Tolerates wet soils and poor drainage, reducing garden maintenance.

Supports pollinators like bees during early bloom season.

SpeciesHelleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Prefers moist soil

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Many years

Native To

Western Europe

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late winter

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck mature rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil
Mist cuttings in early spring for propagation
Mulch around base to retain moisture
Water regularly during dry periods
Fertilize with balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Remove old leaves in late winter for better appearance

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with rich, moist, well-drained soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Prune faded leaves in late winter

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Refrain from disturbing roots excessively

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenFragrant borderEvergreen foundation planting

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore questions

What zones can Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore grow in?

Piccadilly 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 Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore deer resistant?

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

When does Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore bloom?

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

Does Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore need full sun?

Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore does best in part shade.

Is Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore drought tolerant?

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