Setterwort
Helleborus foetidus
- Native to:
- Baleares, Belgium, Corse, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Helleborus
- Species:
- Helleborus foetidus
- USDA Symbol:
- HEFO8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr
- Bloom Colors:
- green, yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, early pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky, calcareous soils in woodlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Fresh seed germinates best; older seed may require extended cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and slow.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Use repeated cycles of 20°C, then 4°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * dry storage impairs germination