Christmas Rose   /   Helleborus niger

Geographical origins: Central and Western Europe.

Adult dimensions: Height up to 40 cm, width up to 40 cm.

Foliage: Evergreen.

Type of soil: Neutral to chalky soil, moist, rich and humid.

Hardiness: Hardy to -15°C.

Exposure: Partial shade to full light.

Characteristics and uses:
The Christmas rose as the name suggests flowers around Christmas time. However, this is only true if there are cooler nights from the 15th of August onwards. It has small white flowers that turn pinkish towards the end of flowering.

This is a delicate plant and it requires great attention if it is to provide a good display of flowers. Be careful when choosing its position and give it compost on a regular basis.

Hellebores are toxic and care must be taken to keep them away from children and animals.

List of Helleborus:
Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis), small white flowers.
Lenten Rose 'Red Hybrids' (Helleborus orientalis Red Hybrids), small red flowers.
Lenten Rose 'Spotted Hybrids' (Helleborus orientalis Spotted Hybrids), small pink flowers.
Lenten Rose 'White lady spotted' (Helleborus orientalis White lady spotted), small white and purple flowers.