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Helleborus foetidus Stinking hellebore Evergreen perennial (1 Page of 5) The Helleborus foetidus plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Stinking hellebore. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Helleborus foetidus Common Name: Stinking hellebore Family: Ranunculaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous[9, 10, 65], this poison can possibly be absorbed through the skin[76]. Mature Height: 0.8 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Woods, scrub and sunny banks on moist chalk and limestone soils[9, 17, 187].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1, 134]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible[1], it usually germinates in the autumn to spring. Seed can take 18 months to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This species produces flowering plants in 2 - 3 years from seed[200].
It is not possible to divide this species, but it is possible to take basal cuttings of young vegetative shoots[200]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
For further Helleborus foetidus gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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