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Helleborus foetidus (Stinking hellebore, Bear's foot, Dungwort, Stinkwort)

Helleborus foetidus Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Brown


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Helleborus foetidus hel-LEB-or-us FET-ih-dus Common Name: Stinking hellebore, Bear's foot, Dungwort, Stinkwort Genus: Helleborus
The early, long-lasting, sometimes fragrant blooms of this hellebore are borne in clusters in late winter to early spring. The pendent flowers are a muted yellow-green, often with purple margins, and have large pale green bracts. Helleborus foetidus has dramatic, deeply-cut foliage that holds up through the winter. Leaves smell unpleasant when crushed.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Provides good contrast to almost any companion planting.
 Care: Grow in rich, well-drained soil in part shade.
 Propagation: Best raised from seed; not suitable for division.
 Problems: Slugs, snails, aphids, leaf spot, and black rot.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Part Shade Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Spring; Winter
Flower Color Green Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Naturalizing
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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