Bear's Foot, Stinking Hellebore
Helleborusfoetidus 'Ruth'

Family: Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Helleborus (hel-eh-BORE-us)
Species: foetidus (FET-uh-dus)
Cultivar: Ruth

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade

Foliage
Deciduous
Velvet/Fuzzy

Foliage Color
Chartreuse/Yellow

Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color
Green

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Blooms repeatedly

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored