Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk'
STINKING HELLEBORE, BEAR'S FOOT, DUNGWORT, STINKWORT
Family: Ranunculaceae
Pronounced: hel-eh-BORE-us FOY-ti-dus
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All zones.
USDA zones: 6-9.
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.
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.
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 don't crush them and you won't have 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.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton
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