Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk'
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STINKING HELLEBORE, BEAR'S FOOT, DUNGWORT, STINKWORT
Family: Ranunculaceae
Geographic Origin
Garden.
Plant Group
Perennial.
Attributes
Hardiness
Sunset zones: All zones.
USDA zones: 6-9.
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Mature size
Height: 3 feet (80 cm).
Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period
November through early spring.
Flowering attributes
Bell shaped, light green (almost cream colored) above light green bracts.
Leaf attributes
Dark green leaves divided into 7-11 leaflets on red stems.
Growth habit
Erect, evergreen perennial.
Culture
Light
Partial shade to full sun.
Soil
Moist, fertile soil with lots of humus dug in.
Feeding
Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring and early summer with a complete organic fertilizer.
Miscellaneous
Propagation Methods
Sow seed as soon as ripe. Will come true from seed if kept away from other variations in this species.
Pruning Methods
Cut down old stems when new growth starts to emerge from base.
Rainy Side Notes
Stinking hellebore, their common name, can be telling about what happens when you crush the leaves or stems of this plant. So do not crush them and you will not have to smell the aroma. These evergreen plants are attractive year round, and if you can find room for them to grace your winter garden, you will not be sorry. Mine reseed themselves at a pleasant rate. Move the seedlings while they are young to new places in the garden
These plants were given to me by Marge Talt a few years ago from seedlings from her plants. They have taken over a garden bed and give a glorious winter show starting in November. A special thanks to Marge for her generous gift that brightens my winter garden.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
Recommended Reading
The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hellebores
Graham Rice
Click amazon.com button for more information or to purchase book.
- Book Description Hellebores are among the most captivating spring flowers. While winter is still at its worst, their buds burst through, their delicate and mysterious blooms opening in an ever-expanding range of colors and forms as spring progresses. This is the first book for gardeners on these increasingly popular plants, featuring a wealth of practical advice on cultivation and propagation, plus an explanation of how to improve your plants through the breeding and selection of better strains. There are descriptions of species in the wild and varieties currently being grown as well as an extensive chapter on associating hellebores with other plants and arranging groupings for maximum effect in the garden. Illustrated with superb color photographs and detailed line drawings, The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hellebores is a book no gardener who loves the flowers of early spring will want to be without.
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