Stinking Hellebore

This species is native to Spain. It can be found in the woodlands of England, Switzerland and the south of Portugal as well.

The name Stinking Hellebore is not fair because it does not have a bad aroma. When one injures a leaf, which can have up to nine segments, an identifiable musky smell is generated.

The plant puts on a show all year – with or without flowers! The black-green, silver-green leaves of this evergreen caulescent species are an eye-catcher, even without the flowers. The highlight of the year is when the first flowers start showing in December thru late spring. The bell-shaped flowers are green with a red edge.

H. foetidus does not need very much water and it thrives in nearly every place in the garden. The only care needed is to cut the flowers off after flowering. This keeps the plant smaller and the new stems, that will develop under the foliage and flower the next year, will have enough space to develop properly.