Species
Helleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore12 other cultivars
‘Sopron’Sopron Stinking Hellebore
‘Piccadilly’Piccadilly Stinking Hellebore
‘Autumn Moon’Stinking Hellebore
‘Red Silver’Red Silver Lenten Rose
‘Trossomontes’Trossomontes Stinking Hellebore
‘Dunham Narrow Leaf’Dunham Narrow Leaf Hellebore
‘Sienna’Sienna Stinking Hellebore
‘Green Giant’Green Giant Hellebore
‘Dunham’Dunham Stinking Hellebore
‘Wester Flisk’Wester Flisk Stinking Hellebore
‘Green Gnome’Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome
‘Golden Showers’Golden Showers Stinking Hellebore
The Story
Plant Bio
Helleborus foetidus 'Pontarlier' is a perennial evergreen shrub known for its clumping habit, with deeply divided, fern-like foliage and tall stems bearing clusters of cup-shaped, lime-green flowers in late winter to early spring.
This cultivar is distinguished by its more vigorous growth and brighter lime-green flower color, adding early-season interest and a touch of elegance to shaded garden areas.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
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 fall for natural stratification
- Plant divisions in early spring, spacing 12 inches apart
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring
- Fertilize with balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Prune dead leaves early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch foliage
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore questions
What zones can Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore grow in?
Pontarlier 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 Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore deer resistant?
Yes — Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore bloom?
Pontarlier 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 Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore need full sun?
Pontarlier Stinking Hellebore does best in part shade.
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'
First Dance Lenten Rose Hellebore
Helleborus orientalis 'First Dance'
Peppermint Ice Lenten Rose
Helleborus x hybrida 'Peppermint Ice'
Tropical sunset Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis 'Tropical sunset'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pontarlier 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.