Helleborus foetidus

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HelleborePerennial, EvergreenFamily: Raununculaceae

Height: 80cmSpread: 45cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Green

Foliage colour:

Green

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.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesPruneyes

Helleborus ‘Foetidus’ and wildlife

Helleborus ‘Foetidus’ 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 ‘Foetidus’ poisonous?

Helleborus ‘Foetidus’ 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