What: Helleborus foetidus, also known as stinking hellebore, is a carefree perennial noted for its bell-shaped, pale green flowers that open in mid-November and last until late spring. Its lacy, narrow leaves remains dark, rich green year-round. This striking plant is easy to grow and is drought tolerant once established. The plant gets its nickname not from a foul flower but rather from the stinky smell when the leaves are crushed.
Where: This tough hellebore will grow in light to deep shade. It prefers a moist to well drained soil, but will tolerate sand or clay.
Size: Stinking hellebore grows to be 1½ feet tall and 2½ feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established, this hellebore is fully drought tolerant — although it does appreciate occasional watering during dry weather. New growth will appear at the base in late winter. This is a short — lived perennial. It is best to allow the flowers to go to seed and cut back the faded flowering stems in late May to early June, being careful not to damage the new growth.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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