Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus Wester Flisk group

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: heavy, neutral to alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: January to April
• Flower colour: purple-margined, purple-green flowers
• Other features: all parts of the plant cause severe discomfort if ingested; the sap may cause skin irritation; dark greyish-green leaves give off an unpleasant odour when crushed
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Nodding, bell-shaped, often sweetly scented, purple-margined pale green flowers on reddish-green stems from January to April. Both the stems and flower-stalks of this unusual perennial are infused with red. An improved form of the native 'stinking hellebore', it's perfect for brightening a shady mixed border with neutral to alkaline soil.
  
  
• Garden care: Add lots of well-rotted leaf mould or organic matter to the planting hole. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn and provide a top-dressing of general fertiliser each spring.
  
  

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