Species

Helleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

12 other cultivars

perennial

Dunham Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Dunham'

The Story

Plant Bio

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as the stinking hellebore, is a perennial evergreen shrub with clump-forming habit, featuring finely divided, serrated, dark green foliage and clusters of nodding, bell-shaped green flowers with reddish margins in late winter to early spring.

The Dunham cultivar is distinguished by its particularly robust flower stems and slightly larger, more intensely colored flowers, enhancing its ornamental appeal during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides evergreen foliage with early spring blooms, adding fragrance and texture to shaded gardens.

Resistant to deer and rabbits, thrives in moist, shaded conditions.

Supports pollinators early in the season and provides shelter for small wildlife.

SpeciesHelleborus foetidusStinking Hellebore

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late winter – Early spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in late summer.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Plant in partial shade with well-drained soil.
Water consistently to keep soil moist, especially during dry periods.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Remove dead or damaged leaves

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderFragrant shaded garden bed

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Heucheras Astilbes Brunneras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dunham Stinking Hellebore questions

What zones can Dunham Stinking Hellebore grow in?

Dunham 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 Dunham Stinking Hellebore deer resistant?

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

When does Dunham Stinking Hellebore bloom?

Dunham 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 Dunham Stinking Hellebore need full sun?

Dunham Stinking Hellebore does best in part shade.