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Other
Cultivars/species:
Green Giant (RHS), Wester Flisk
Group(RHS), Sopron
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Extra
notes and interesting information:
 Foetidus
means fetid but smell is actually more like pungent, or at most
unpleasant; refers to the smell emitted by the leaves when crushed
and requires being extremely close to the plant.
All
parts of the plant are poisonous if
ingested in large quantities. Skin
irritation, burning mouth and throat,
vomiting, abdominal cramping.
Propagation is by division or by seed
which can be prolific, naturalizing if
happy. Ants, because of elaiosomes on
seeds, often contribute to seed
distribution. Clipping seed pods before
maturity will reduce seedlings. A plant
will last about five years. A
plant will produce flowers often within
2 -3 years of germination.
Awards:
RHS Award of Garden Merit, Great Plant
Pick
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Common Name:
Stinking
Hellebore, Dungwort, Bear Paw Hellebore (refers to shape of leaves)
Plant type:
Perennial
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Height/Spread:
Height 2-4 feet;
Spread 2-4 feet.
Leaves:
Slender, dark
green, evergreen, glossy, leathery leaves divided into 7-10 narrow
lance shaped usually toothed leaflets to 8” long; foliage color
varies from bright green to almost slate, deepens in cold weather.
Cut back flowering stems after blooms to promote new foliage growth.
Flowers:
Borne high
above foliage, clusters of drooping bell shaped flowers, yellow
green often with purple-red edges; 5 petal like sepals subtended by
pale green brachts at the tips of stems contrasting nicely with dark
foliage. Pollinated by bees.
Bloom Time:
January thru April
Bark/Stem:
Strongly
upright succulent stems that when mature, produce flowers and seeds
and then dies. A new stem will replace the dead stem.
Diseases/Pests:
None Serious.
Growing Conditions:
Ideal
conditions: woodland with deep fertile, moist, humus rich soil with
dappled shade. Likes light but not afternoon sun. Appreciates
mulching with chopped leaves or fine wood chips. It tolerates dry
shade. Constant wet causes root rot. Soil pH is mildly acidic to
neutral. It often occurs naturally on limestone soils.
Natural range:
Native to western Europe; woodland, scrub, open rocky
areas to 6000 feet.
Hardiness:
USDA zones 6 to 9.
Location:
Waterwise
Garden, Beds W02, W06, W08, W15 (best).
Accession Numbers:
93-397,
93-318 |
Complete
Index
