Stinking hellebores, not to be confused with false hellebore (Veratrum viride), can be planted at any time of year, and they are fast-growing, clumping plants that reach a mature size of about 1 - to 3-feet wide and tall. They will slowly spread but do not become a nuisance. Stinking hellebores bloom in very early spring, sometimes even in late winter. The leaves stay evergreen, but do become a bit tattered at the end of winter and can be cut back to encourage new foliage growth. The flower stalks start emerging early in the season. Initially, the buds look like they are too heavy for the plants and droop toward the ground. But as they open, they will be held high above the foliage, however, they still face downward, as is typical of hellebores. Their cupped flowers are a subtle yellow-green, usually with purple margins, and are surrounded by a pale green bract. These are truly low-maintenance plants. You can clean up any ragged leaves, in the spring and prune back the spent flower stalks. If you want the plants to self-sow, don’t remove the flowers until they have released their seeds.
Light
These are plants for a shady garden: Partial shade is where they will flourish. The leaves will scorch in full sun during the summer, but they can handle the early spring sun that makes its way under trees that have not yet leafed out.
Soil
Being typical shade garden plants, stinking hellebores like a cool, moist, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Think of a forest floor. They do best in a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral (6.5-7.5) but are adaptable.
Water
Once established, stinking hellebores will only need supplemental water during very dry conditions. Even then, they may struggle, but they will rally when conditions improve.
Temperature and Humidity
Stinking hellebore does well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9, although you could push these limits a bit, in ideal conditions.
Fertilizer
They shouldn’t need additional fertilizer if you provide them with rich soil and amend it annually with more compost or composted manure.
Pruning
Stinking hellebores don’t need much in the way of pruning. In the spring, cut back dead flower stalks and dead leaves.
Propagating Stinking Hellebore
Stinking hellebore is very easy to lift and divide and re-establish with ease. The trick to re-establishing seedlings and divisions is to not let them dry out. Keep them moist while in transit and water them in well. Allow the soil to dry slightly after that, but do not allow the plants to remain in dry soil for long until you see signs of new growth.
How to Grow Stinking Hellebore From Seed
It’s very easy to collect seed as the seed pods dry, however, it’s even easier to allow them to seed themselves and then dig and move the volunteer plants the next season. The seed doesn’t remain viable for long; you should sow them as soon as possible.
Common Pests/Diseases
Slugs and snails will be stinking hellebore’s biggest foes, although aphids can also infest plants. You can get rid of slugs and snails by place little dishes of beer in your garden. Aphids need insecticidal soap to get rid of them. In extremely wet conditions, your stinking hellebore may expect some fungal problems, but these are usually not major and will go away when conditions dry out. Be on the lookout for leaf spot and black rot.
