Hi, Claire, Helleborus foetidus tends to get floppy, especially in very shady conditions - they tend to prefer dappled shade and can even tolerate sun. It is doubtful the stems will root. The best way to propagate is with seed, but when the seed is ripe. It doesn't sound like the seed on your shoots had the chance to ripen so it is unlikely they will germinate. I don't think you will need to cut it back in future, but perhaps relocate to where it gets more light. Kathy C
I've just been inspecting my Helleborus Foetidus and accidentally snapped off 2 main stems. It was getting a bit straggly (about 3 yrs old), and though I was holding the stems gently it seemed that the thick stems (nearly an inch diameter) were having trouble supporting their own weight. Some new growth is already showing at the base so the plant will continue to grow I hope, but can i plant out the small shoots showing on the main stem that has broken off? Also, can I use the seeds that are attached to this main stem if I let them dry out (the pods are still closed)? Should I have kept the plant's growth more in check over the last couple of years? Many thanks Claire
Posted: Monday 23rd of May 2011 09:24 AM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 01:01 AM