Helleborus foetidus Sopron

Helleborus foetidus 'Sopron' is a spontaneous cultivar of the fetid hellebore discovered in Hungary, near the town of Sopron. This unique variety, shorter than the type, surprises and charms with its blue-grey green foliage that appears to be frosted with silver. Its elegance is accentuated by finely cut leaves. The plant produces numerous clusters of bright flowers in the shape of greenish-yellow bells, tinged with brown-red on the inside. The fetid hellebore is a short-lived perennial species, but undoubtedly the most tolerant of all, which easily self-seeds in shaded areas of the garden where it undeniably brings a touch of refinement and whimsy.

Called griffon's foot, snake rose, bear's paw, horse biter, spring herb, or favalau depending on the region, Helleborus foetidus is a wild plant of the Ranunculaceae family, native to western and central Europe. In nature, this species is found with an upright habit that can reach 1m (3ft) in flower in uncultivated places and groves, under oaks, in rocky and rather dry areas, in limestone or neutral soil, or in acidic soil in sunny locations. The fetid hellebore grows in altitudes up to 1800m (5905ft). Its lifespan is about 3 to 4 years.

The 'Sopron' variety distinguishes itself by its more compact growth, not exceeding 60cm (24in) in flower, and its extraordinary silvery foliage, which is finer than that of the type. This perennial plant develops a tuft of foliage topped by the flowering, carried by green and robust stems. Upright at the beginning of flowering, it gradually bends over. Its biennial stems, 60cm (24in) tall, are glabrous but densely leafy below the inflorescence. Flowering takes place from January to April, above the evergreen foliage. This hellebore bears inflorescences in cymes, composed of numerous small globular bell-shaped flowers measuring 1 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. These flowers are inclined to protect themselves from bad weather. They are pale green-yellow in colour, margined with brown-red on the outside and inside the corolla. They have numerous creamy-coloured stamens, larger than the petals, inserted in a spiral pattern as in all Ranunculaceae. Following pollination by dipterous insects, bees and bumblebees, the fetid hellebore produces dry fruits releasing several seeds. The leaves of this variety are initially greenish-blue, then in autumn and winter they take on their characteristic silvery glaze that enhances their beauty. They are divided into more than 10 very narrow and inclined segments, measuring 15 to 25cm (6 to 10in) long and showing a serrated edge. They are arranged horizontally around the stem. The evergreen foliage is sometimes deciduous in summer in dry and hot climates. The species name, foetidus, refers to the unpleasant odour emitted by the foliage when crushed.

The fetid hellebore is a hardy and undemanding plant, useful for illuminating shaded areas, the base of large trees, or the north and east facades of the house. Use hellebores like elements in an old tapestry, mixing them with understory plants with brighter colours. 'Sopron' is a rare variety, which can be appreciated even in summer in cool climates for its astonishing foliage pattern. As such, it can be planted at the base of Clethra or Japanese maples, which will provide beneficial shade in summer without smothering it, along with Asarum europaeum, for example, variegated periwinkles, or dwarf hostas. It can be planted in groups, like a bouquet, near the entrance of the house, in a shaded location, or in a large pot, to enjoy its unusual, bright and early flowering up close.

This hellebore is a close relative of Helleborus niger. It can be toxic. Its seeds were formerly used in the Middle Ages for their supposed purgative virtue to treat madness.