Stinking Hellebore
Helleborus foetidus 'Sopron'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as the Stinking Hellebore, is a perennial evergreen plant with clumping, deeply divided, dark green foliage and tall flower stems adorned with nodding, bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers often tinged with purple in late winter to early spring. The 'Sopron' cultivar is distinguished by its more compact growth habit and enhanced floral display, featuring brighter yellow-green flowers that add vibrant early-season color to shaded gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall for natural stratification
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Plant in partial shade with well-drained loamy soil
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide in early spring every 3–4 years for healthy growth
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and well-drained for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture
- Divide clumps every few years for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun, it prefers shade
- Skip heavy fertilization which can cause legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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.
More Helleborus to compare
Hellebore Wedding Party Mix
Helleborus x hybrida 'Wedding Party Mix'
Lenten Rose Hybrid Mix
Helleborus x hybrida 'Mix'
Lenten Rose Double Queen Strain
Helleborus x hybridus 'Double Queen Strain'
Lenten Rose Hellebore
Helleborus orientalis 'First Dance'
Peppermint Ice Lenten Rose
Helleborus x hybrida 'Peppermint Ice'
Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis 'Tropical sunset'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Stinking Hellebore with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
