Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk Group'
Wester Flisk Group Stinking Hellebore
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height
- Up to 24 inches
- Width
- Up to 36 inches
- Flower color
- Greenish-white with red edges
- Foliage color
- Dark green with a reddish tint
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; remove old foliage in late winter
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees
About this plant
Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk Group' is an evergreen perennial that blooms from midwinter to mid-spring. It produces nodding, pale green flowers, often edged with purple, arranged in large, open clusters. The plant's stems and leaf stalks may be flushed with deep purple-red hues, which suffuse into the leaf bases, providing a beautiful contrast to the narrow, dark green leaflets.
This cultivar originated in the early 1970's at Wester Flisk on the Firth of Tay in Scotland, discovered by Mrs. Mamie Walker in her rectory garden. 'Wester Flisk Group' is valued for its architectural presence and is known to attract bees. Additionally, it exhibits some resistance to deer and rabbits, making it a resilient choice for various garden settings.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Bleeding hearts · Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Japanese forest grass
Design tip
Winter interest is the reason to grow it, so keep it near an entry where the bloom is noticed. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
