stinking hellebore
bear’s foot
While snowdrops are getting all the attention at this time of the year, for me, hellebores are the hallmark of February, and I look forward to, and love, all species in the genus.
The stinking hellebore: not an attractive name is it, and I can’t imagine why it came about, because I have never caught so much as a whiff of an unpleasant odour around it. Also known as ‘bear’s foot’– the foliage apparently resembles the shape of this animal’s footprint – no bears in our
Helleborus foetidus is a stately evergreen perennial, albeit short lived for us most likely on account of the clay. It’s a woodland plant, happiest in part shade and well drained soil (chalk even) but tolerant of almost any aspect. The glossy, finely divided leaves are a perfect backdrop for the clusters of bell-shaped, pale green flowers: these are long lasting and sometimes edged maroon. At its peak right now, and perfectly suited to the austerity of winter, it’s a good stand alone plant and effective set against a simple backdrop of fallen leaves or bark – and snowdrops of course!
Bear’s foot is hardy and readily self seeds, but do not be alarmed at the shock of seedlings that sometimes appear as they are easily removed. For us it’s an independent and itinerant plant, and one that I would hate to be without.
