Helleborus niger
Christmas Rose
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Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Description
Helleborus niger, commonly called Christmas rose or black hellebore, is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is poisonous. Although the flowers resemble wild roses (and despite its common name), Christmas rose does not belong to the rose family (Rosaceae).
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Blooming
Blooming in winter and early spring, the petal-like sepals of the flowers persist several months while the seeds continue to form. You may not get blooms until the third or fourth year.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Growth
Most Hellebores prefer woodland conditions with dappled shade. While they may survive in deep shade, partial light will promote healthier growth and better blooming. Smaller varieties are suitable in rock gardens.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Planting
Dig self-sown seedlings, or divide clumps, in spring or summer to replant. Space 1-1.5" apart. If growing from seed, be prepared for a long germination, as it can take 6-18 months, especially if the seeds are not fresh. Place seeds about 0.25" deep in pots. Add grit to the top of the soil and water occasionally, keeping the soil slightly moist. The germinating seeds need a stratified climate, so if indoors keep at room temperature for 8 weeks and then refrigerate for 8 weeks. You will need to do this if the seeds are shipped from the southern hemisphere in winter.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Pest
Rodents and slugs may eat your Hellebore seeds and seedlings. Aphids also can spread a few diseases, including 'black death' which can cause black spots to appear on the leaves.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Interesting facts
Widely used as a medicine in antiquity, an overdose of Hellebore may have caused the death of Alexander the Great.
Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) - Soil and irrigation
Grow in rich, deep, evenly moist, well-drained, loamy soil. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil usually best, but may vary. Once the plants are established, they become quite drought resistant, but with an ideal bed and regular moisture (without becoming waterlogged) these plants can grow for decades.
