Peony or Helleborus?

bobloes

Hi All

Please see attached images.

I have lovingly (sort of) tended this plant for about 18-24 months believing it to be a peony.  It has finally come into some kind of display and looks more like a helleborus.  Would appreciate a second opinion.  A case of caveat emptor?

Cheers

treehugger80

Helleborus foetidus, commonly called stinking hellebore,

its a native wildflower, but neither a garden hellebore (like an oriental one) or a peony

granma

I like this plant but beware it seeds itself.

bobloes

I should have recognised it as I planted one a few years ago about ten feet from where it has come up.  I did not like it as it does not have any interesting features so I shredded it at least 8 years ago (among other things) when I was clearing up and put the shreds in the compost.  Possibly where it came from.  When I shredded it the shredder was in the garage with the door closed and the fumes which came off it truly made my eyes sting for some time.  This time it will have no chance.  Thanks very much. 

Dovefromabove

I love it and so do the bumblebees 😊 

nutcutlet

would you have liked it if we'd told you it was a peony?

Lizzie27

I've got one or two in my shady bed and like them - the vibrant green bells really stand out.

nutcutlet

I like it as well

Copperdog

I have a few of these too.  I have learnt to love them the acid green tips look great and stand out in the shade.  

BobTheGardener

I like a few bits of acid yellow during the 'darker' months, so have a few dotted around, together with some similarly coloured heuchera and a rather invasive euphobia which came in from next door and needs constantly keeping under control, but does have stunning yellow 'flowers'.

Obelixx

I like this one too and, if you look closely, you'll see the petals have deep red edges.  If you had it in a full border with companions instead of looking a bit straggly against bare soil it would look very much better.