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Stinking Hellebore

Helleborus foetidus, Ranunculaceae

Zones
6–9
Layer
Herbaceous
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Slow

Guild Roles

Pest ConfuserBeneficial Insect HabitatGround Cover

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (preferred)Full Shade (preferred)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

7 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Red CampionSilene dioica
Pest DeterrentShade Provision
Butcher's BroomRuscus aculeatus
Shade ProvisionPollinator Sharing
Hollow RootCorydalis cava
Shade ProvisionPollinator Sharing

Antagonistic Plants

Kidney VetchAnthyllis vulneraria

Stinking hellebore's allelopathic compounds are particularly inhibitory to leguminous plants

DropwortFilipendula vulgaris

Hellebore produces toxic alkaloids and other allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of nearby herbaceous plants

Uses

Functions

Early Pollinator SupportWoodland UnderstoryPest DeterrentWinter Interest

Medicinal Uses

Traditional Veterinary MedicineHistorical Uses Only

Common Questions

What zones does Stinking Hellebore grow in?

Stinking Hellebore grows in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9.

What are good companion plants for Stinking Hellebore?

Good companions for Stinking Hellebore include Red Campion, Butcher's Broom, Hollow Root.

Design guilds with Stinking Hellebore and see companion relationships visually.

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