Helleborus foetidus ‘Miss Jekyll’s Scented’ is an unusual, evergreen perennial producing elegant clusters of nodding, pale lime-green flowers delicately edged with purple. Unlike the typical stinking hellebore, this selected form is prized for its sweetly scented flowers, bringing welcome fragrance and colour to the garden during late winter and early spring.
Its deeply divided, dark green foliage provides year-round architectural interest, while the long-lasting flowers are particularly valuable to early pollinators. Growing to approximately 60–75cm, this hardy hellebore thrives in partial shade and is ideal for woodland gardens, sheltered borders and naturalistic planting schemes.
When to Sow: Sep - Oct & Feb - Apr
HOW TO SOW: Sow seeds promptly into moist, free-draining seed compost, covering lightly with compost or fine grit. Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position or cold frame, ensuring the compost remains consistently moist. Fresh seeds generally benefit from a period of summer warmth followed by winter cold to break dormancy. Germination is often slow and irregular, typically occurring the following spring, although some seeds may take longer. Do not apply artificial heat or allow the compost to dry out. Keep seed trays for at least two growing seasons before discarding. Pot on seedlings once large enough to handle and grow on in partial shade.
Classification: Hardy evergreen perennial
Expert Level: Some experience required
Germination Time: Usually the following spring; sometimes longer
Flowering Time: Feb–Apr
Site: Partial shade
Soil Type: Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: Neutral to alkaline
Moisture: Moisture-retentive but well-drained
Care: Mulch annually with organic matter, avoid waterlogging and remove spent flowering stems when appropriate
Use: Woodland gardens, shaded borders, winter interest, pollinator planting
Days to Maturity: Usually 2–3 years
Height: 60–75cm
Plant Spacing: 45cm