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
‘Green Giant’Green Giant Hellebore
‘Dunham’Dunham Stinking Hellebore
‘Wester Flisk’Wester Flisk Stinking Hellebore
‘Golden Showers’Golden Showers Stinking Hellebore
The Story
Plant Bio
Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as the Stinking Hellebore, is a perennial evergreen plant with clump-forming growth, featuring deeply divided, serrated green foliage and clusters of nodding, bell-shaped green flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
The 'Green Gnome' cultivar is distinguished by its compact, dense growth habit and vibrant, lime-green flowers that add a unique touch to winter gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Many years
Native To
Western Europe
Toxicity
Highly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late winter
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions in early fall or late winter
- Mist cuttings to encourage rooting
- Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade
- Water regularly during first growing season
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch annually to protect roots
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch foliage
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome questions
What zones can Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome grow in?
Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome 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 Green Gnome deer resistant?
Yes — Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome bloom?
Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome 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 Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome need full sun?
Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome 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 Stinking Hellebore Green Gnome 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.