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Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Helleborus foetidus is a compact, evergreen perennial with more finely divided, elegant foliage than most hellebores. In spring its almost ferny clumps are joined by clusters of nodding, lime-green flowers held on thick stems just above the tops of the foliage. The flowers last for several months, and associate well with other spring flowers that enjoy dappled shade such as coloured primroses, violets, dwarf narcissi, grape hyacinth and spring flowering hardy cyclamen the foliage makes a good foil for lily of the valley later, and in autumn looks superb with Iris foetidissima. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in dappled shade. Like all hellebores, Helleborus foetidus dislikes being moved once established, so should not be divided. Given the right conditions, it will self-seed quite sufficiently to provide replacements.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Pruneyes

Helleborus and wildlife

Helleborus is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Helleborus poisonous?

Helleborus can be toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
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