With all the warm weather this winter a perennial is blooming in my garden – the Hellebores foetidus. In fact, it started to bloom in December of 2015, unprecedented since I have been growing them. Usually they bloom late February, early March.
Helleborus foetidus is also known as stinking hellebore, bear’s foot, or dung wart. It has greenish yellow leaves with drooping green flowers. It tolerates dry shade, and prefers well-rotted leaf mould.
This wonderful architectural plant thrives in a woodland or shady garden, or under deciduous trees and shrubs. Cut back any foliage that is burnt from winter winds or temperatures.
Hellebores usually bloom here in March, if not slightly earlier, putting on a show for close to 8 weeks. What more could you want!
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
I fell in love with Hellebores 20 years ago while visiting Sissinghurst. Struck by their beauty, I planned on growing them back in the States. Easier said then done. At that time they were difficult to find, with very little variety. Today’s market boasts an array of colors in a palette sure to please.
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
Unfortunately most of my labels have disappeared over the years except for Helleborus x hybridus ‘Snow Bunting’.
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
Helleborus foetidus – pixieperennials.com
Hellebores have beautiful showy flowers and interesting leaves. They are great for shade or part shade and are easy to grow. Once established, they form colonies. An added bonus, hellebores are deer proof! Pick up a few to grow this year.
Helleborus – pixieperenials.com
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
Helleborus – pixieperennials.com
Hellebores prefer a humus rich soil and like to be protected from biting winds which can damage the foliage.
