Stinking Hellebore Plant Care
Helleborus foetidus L.
Helleborus foetidus, known variously as stinking hellebore, dungwort, setterwort and bear's foot, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is found wild in many parts of England, especially on limestone soil.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
What Is the Stinking Hellebore?
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Helleborus genus. Stinking Hellebore is native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe and Asia Minor. Stinking Hellebore is also known as Bears Foot, Christmas Rose, Green Hellebore.
Stinking Hellebore displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Stinking Hellebore produces showy cup-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stinking Hellebore?
Helleborus foetidus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Stinking Hellebore Need?
Stinking Hellebore thrives in partial shade to full shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Stinking Hellebore in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stinking Hellebore Prefer?
Helleborus foetidus grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. Stinking Hellebore prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stinking Hellebore?
Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Stinking Hellebore to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Stinking Hellebore?
Repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Stinking Hellebore?
Stinking Hellebore can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to christmas rose plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Stinking Hellebore Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to Pets & Children
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stinking Hellebore?
Stinking Hellebore is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stinking Hellebore Need?
Stinking Hellebore grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. Native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe and Asia Minor, Stinking Hellebore is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Stinking Hellebore as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Stinking Hellebore is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Helleborus genus — compare its care with other Helleborus species on PlantoScan.
Stinking Hellebore tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Helleborus Species
Other Helleborus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Identify Plants Like the
Stinking Hellebore Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species