Overview
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with semi evergreen, evergreen foliage. Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' is a cultivar of the Helleborus genus, which comprises rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming clumps of palmate basal foliage or upright leafy stems. This semi-evergreen perennial thrives in partial shade and sheltered positions, preferring fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil with an alkaline to neutral pH. It is hardy in the UK (H7) and is suitable for city and courtyard gardens as well as cottage and informal garden settings. 'Green Giant' is notable for its spring and winter interest, producing sizable, bowl-shaped blooms in loose clusters.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helleborus
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant'?
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' need?
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' hardy in the UK?
Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant'?
Propagate by seed or by division in autumn.
More in the Helleborus genus
- Helleborus argutifoliusholly-leaved hellebore

- Helleborus foetidusstinking hellebore

- Helleborus foetidus 'Chedglow Variegated' (v)

- Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver'

- Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'

- Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus

- Helleborus niger 'Double Fantasy' (d)

- Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis'
