Species
Helleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore12 other cultivars
‘Sopron’Sopron Stinking Hellebore
‘Pontarlier’Pontarlier 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
‘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, known as the Stinking Hellebore, is a perennial evergreen with clump-forming growth, deeply divided dark green foliage, and nodding clusters of bell-shaped green flowers often tinged with purple in late winter to early spring.
The 'Green Giant' cultivar is distinguished by its especially robust, vigorous growth and brighter, more vivid green flowers that enhance its ornamental appeal during the winter months.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
Southern Europe
Toxicity
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
Bloom period
Late winter
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into well-prepared soil in early fall.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect from harsh winter winds with a windbreak.
- Water consistently during dry spells for healthy growth.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for propagation.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Green Giant Hellebore questions
What zones can Green Giant Hellebore grow in?
Green Giant 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 Green Giant Hellebore deer resistant?
Yes — Green Giant Hellebore is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Green Giant Hellebore bloom?
Green Giant 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 Green Giant Hellebore need full sun?
Green Giant 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
Grow Green Giant 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.