Species stinking hellebore
Helleborus foetidus(Helleborus foetidus); light green, semi-bloomed, round flower with light green stamens, leaves, and stem

stinking hellebore

Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus ‘Sienna’) is a perennial evergreen shrub that is a standout in the garden. Its elegant dark green foliage has a maroon tint, and entire flowers are a deep chocolate brown. As their name implies, they have a distinct unpleasant odour. When the foliage is crushed or brushed against, a sweet and overpowering smell of rotting meat is released. During bloom time in winter, its clusters of pendulous flowers attract pollinators and provide pleasant winter colour. A great choice for a low maintenance garden, stinking hellebore is a carefree plant and it doesn't require much attention.

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 Winter

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,olive

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna') should be watered when the top inch of soil has started to dry out. A general rule of thumb is to water it about once a week during its active growing season in the Springtime and every 2 weeks or so during the Summer. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. The soil should be slightly moist, and it is not necessary to soak the plant. As the plant will enter its dormant stage in the late Summer and Fall months, it will not require as much water.

sunlight

Stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna') does best in full or partial sunlight. For best growth, the plant should have approximately 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If your plant is growing in a shadier spot, you can compensate by opting for a smaller pot size to ensure it receives enough light and provisions. Planting in a sun-dappled spot (areas with more shade) allows for a more even amount of sun throughout the day without any direct sunlight.

pruning

Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna') should be pruned in early to mid-summer. Prune away any diseased, dead or damaged leaves and flower stems, and also any stems that are sparsely covered with foliage. Be careful to avoid cutting too much away and trying to preserve the natural shape of the plant as much as possible. Prune away all flower stems after flowering is complete. Prune lightly in subsequent years to encourage more blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map