perennial

Stinking Hellebore

Name: Stinking Hellebore
Brand: Helleborus
Availability: InStock

Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver'

$27.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Yes

The Story

Plant Bio

An evergreen perennial with finely divided, dark green, leathery leaves. In late winter and early spring, it bears clusters of nodding, bell-shaped, pale green flowers, often edged with purple. This selection is noted for its silvery-grey foliage and reddish-purple stems, which contrast beautifully with the pale green flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Red Silver's striking foliage and winter blooms add vivid color and texture to shaded gardens, providing year-round interest.

Prefers shady, moist environments, helping to cover ground in less sunny areas.

Provides early nectar for pollinators and shelter for beneficial insects during winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plant Delights Nursery

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$27.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck mature plants into well-drained, humus-rich soil in early fall.
Mist cuttings lightly until roots develop, about 6 weeks.
Position in partial to full shade for optimal growth.
Water consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in a shaded spot with rich soil to enhance flowering and foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
Fertilize with organic compost annually

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall
Avoid using chemical fertilizers excessively

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderMoist woodland understoryWinter interest with evergreen foliage

Companion Plants

Hosta Ferns Astilbe Brunnera Heuchera

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 4–9. 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 early spring through late 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.