Species stinking hellebore Guide
light green flowers with light green stems and lanceolate, light green leaves

stinking hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish-white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly') is a shade-loving, evergreen perennial requiring moist, nutrient-rich soil. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season to ensure optimal health. During this time, water twice a week to a depth of approximately 1 inch. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings, so be sure to check the soil's moisture content before each watering. Avoid watering the stems and leaves, as it may encourage rot and disease. Reduce watering over winter months to once every 1-2 weeks. During periods of heavy rain, it may not be necessary to water at all.

sunlight

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly') prefers partial shade to full sun, meaning it should be exposed to direct sunlight for no more than 8 hours at a time. This plant should not be planted in direct scorching sun for long periods of time. Ideally, it should be placed in areas that get morning sun and afternoon shade as this will give the plant the ideal balance of light exposure. During the summer months, it is best to provide Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly') with additional shade by placing a cloth or umbrella over it during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Piccadilly') should be pruned once in the early spring, after the flowering period has completed. Pruning should be done carefully as it will reduce the overall size of the plant and will need to be done for several years in order to keep the plant healthy. When pruning, make sure to avoid cutting off any of the flower stems, as this will reduce flowering for next year. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out overcrowded areas to ensure light and air get to all parts of the plant. Cut back branches of up to half their length to encourage bushier growth and make the plant appear fuller. The amount of pruning required for stinking hellebore depends on how well the plant is growing and how desired look it needs to have. Pruning can be done anytime from late autumn to early spring.