Species

13 other cultivars

perennial

Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Bowles's Cabbage Stalk'

The Story

Plant Bio

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as the Stinking Hellebore, is a perennial evergreen plant with clumping, palmate leaves and nodding, bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers that appear in late winter to early spring.

The Bowles's Cabbage Stalk cultivar is distinguished by its robust, densely packed flower clusters and particularly vigorous growth habit, making it an attractive, early-season garden perennial.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides evergreen structure and winter interest in shaded gardens.

Requires minimal care once established, tolerates shade and wet soils.

Supports pollinators with early winter blooms.

SpeciesHelleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers humid conditions

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial, self-seeds

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into well-drained, shaded soil
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter for tidy appearance
Ensure protection from harsh winter winds

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, well-drained soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Apply mulch to keep roots cool and moist
Prune dead leaves in late winter

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch foliage
Skip fertilizing during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderWinter garden focal point

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore questions

What zones can Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore grow in?

Bowles's Cabbage Stalk 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 Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore deer resistant?

Yes — Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore bloom?

Bowles's Cabbage Stalk 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 Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore need full sun?

Bowles's Cabbage Stalk Stinking Hellebore does best in part shade.