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Helleborus niger

Christmas Rose

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Helleborus niger – is the beautiful Christmas Rose. Clustered flowers can be especially large, each floret measuring up to 3 inches diameter in optimum conditions. White flowers, each with a cushy yellow boss of anthers, age to gorgeous rose pink. In the south this amazing species will flower around the solstice hence its common moniker, Christmas Rose. In the north flowering time is dependent upon the harshness quotient of each winter. Generally for us in northeastern Connecticut flowers emerge in March. And this harbinger of spring is so very welcome. The leathery, medium green matte to satin-finish multi-lobed leaves are virtually evergreen. Site in fertile ground in early morning sun, dappled light or open shade. Woodland conditions suffice and if happy it self sows. Best in fertile, moisture retaining soil, even scrabbled conditions are okay as long as the soil between pebble is organic. Christmas Rose comes to us from the mountainous regions of Austria, Switzerland, southern Germany and northern Italy. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.


Height:

8-12 in

Colors:

White

Zone:

3 to 9
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Characteristics and Attributes for Helleborus niger

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Mid to Late Winter / Early Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Dappled Shade
  • Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Border
  • Woodland
  • Edging
  • Rock Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Slow

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Moist

Origins

  • Europe

Propagated By

  • By Seed / Potted
  • Division

Genus Overview: Helleborus

Hellebores are indispensible in the woodland garden. They are among the earliest, herbaceous plants with the largest, showiest flowers to brave late winter/early spring cold temperatures and shine, shine, shine! Flowers often age to chartreuse (certainly in H. x hybridus) extending the bloom effect. The foliage for most of the following perennials lasts for nearly 3 seasons – from spring until the following winter solstice in northeastern Connecticut. It is said that lime in the planting hole is helpful. We have never done so and they perform wonderfully for us. Open shade, dappled conditions, morning sun/afternoon shade is best. Plant them in any good woodland soil with organic matter. All of the following are offered as pot grown by good old-fashioned perennial division. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.