Overview
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Helleborus, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and containers.
About
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' is an evergreen, clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Helleborus, known for its rhizomatous or semi-evergreen growth and palmate basal foliage. This cultivar thrives in partial shade, particularly in sheltered, north-facing aspects, favouring fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained loam with a neutral pH. It produces sizable, bowl-shaped blooms in loose clusters during late winter and spring, making it suitable for borders, woodland gardens, and containers. Hardy to UK zone H6, it benefits from annual mulching and can be propagated by division or seed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helleborus
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Borders, woodland gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'?
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' need?
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' hardy in the UK?
Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Helleborus foetidus 'Sienna'?
Division, seed.
More in the Helleborus genus
- Helleborus argutifoliusholly-leaved hellebore
- Helleborus foetidusstinking hellebore
- Helleborus foetidus 'Chedglow Variegated' (v)
- Helleborus foetidus 'Green Giant'
- Helleborus foetidus 'Red Silver'
- Helleborus lividus subsp. lividus
- Helleborus niger 'Double Fantasy' (d)
- Helleborus niger 'Nell Lewis'