Helleborus Species, Bear's Foot, Foetid Hellebore, Ox Heel, Stinking Hellebore, Stinkwort
Helleborusfoetidus

Family: Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Helleborus (hel-eh-BORE-us)
Species: foetidus (FET-uh-dus)

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Full Shade

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Textured

Foliage Color

Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Chartreuse (yellow-green)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Spring

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From herbaceous stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible