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Pruning guide · Perennial
Stinking hellebore: when and how to prune
Helleborus foetidus
Stinking hellebore is best pruned in May–June.
| Pruning months | May–June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | February–April |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Stinking hellebore: when to prune it?
It is hardly pruned. In May–June, cut off the spent stems once the seed is ripe, or earlier if you do not want seedlings.
Stinking hellebore: how to prune it?
- Each stem flowers only once and then dies: cut it off low down after flowering.
- Spare the young stems that have not yet flowered: they will flower next year.
- Cut off brown or spotted leaves as soon as you see them.
- Always wear gloves.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: May–June.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Stinking hellebore flowers in February–April, when it attracts bees.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: The sap can irritate the skin: wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Stinking hellebore is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Stinking hellebore · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.