Helleborus foetidus

Bear’s-foot Hellebore
Ranunculaceae
Evergreen, Perennials

HELLEBORUS

Distinctive, long-lived plants that add color to the garden for several months in winter and spring, hellebores are also appreciated for their attractive foliage. Each leaf consists of a long leafstalk ending in large, leathery leaflets grouped together like fingers on an outstretched hand. Flowers are usually shaped like cups or bells (those of Helleborus niger are saucer shaped), either outward facing or drooping; they consist of a ring of petal-like sepals ranging in color from white and green through pink and red to deep purple (rarely yellow). Flowers of all hellebores persist beyond the bloom periods listed, gradually turning green.

Helleborus foetidus

From western and central Europe. To 2 1/2 ft. high and wide, the stems are clothed with dark green leaves divided into seven to ten narrow, leathery leaflets to 8 in. long. Clusters of inch-wide flowers are light green with purplish red edges, bloom winter to spring.

Plant parts are malodorous if crushed or bruised (don’t smell bad otherwise). Tolerates sun in cool, humid areas. Self-sows freely where adapted.