Stinking Hellebore
Helleborus foetidus 'Dunham'
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
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.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
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
Companion Plants
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 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 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 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 Stinking Hellebore need full sun?
Stinking 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'
Lenten Rose Hellebore
Helleborus orientalis 'First Dance'
Peppermint Ice Lenten Rose
Helleborus x hybrida 'Peppermint Ice'
Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis 'Tropical sunset'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Stinking 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.
