Helleborus foetidus ‘Wester Flisk’

Wester Flisk is a choice form of stinking hellebore. An unfortunate name for a wonderful shade garden plant .It does indeed stink if crushed, to avoid this simply don’t crush it! One of my favorites, it’s much larger than most Hellebores, with more long tapering finely divided leaves that combine form a 9-10 fingered hand. The dark green leaves have an iridescent light reflective quality, especially when topped with lime-green flowers. The leaves, stalks and petioles are suffused with rhubarb red. Even when not in bloom, the overall effect is an elegant and iridescent plant that can add charm, interest and texture to any shady garden or woodland. Hellebores are evergreen, thrive on neglect, resist deer and can even grow in deep shade. Interesting note: Hellebores have a long and fascinating connection to witchcraft.They were often planted near an entrance to deter evil spirits. Hellebores were used in potions as flying ointments and to obtain special powers.Currently they are only used in Homeopathy in minute dosages as their sap is an irritant and all parts are poisonous.