A well-known English plant, the Helleborus niger or “Christmas Rose,” is a true Christmas flower. Chosen as the ‘plant of the month’ for December, it is sometimes known as the “Snow Rose” or “Winter Rose,” it blooms during the depths of across all of central Europe. One of the easiest and most rewarding of garden plants to grow, the Christmas Rose blooms during the coldest months of the year when the majority in our gardens lay dormant. Hellebores are a valuable asset to any garden that is in need of some festive cheer over the winter months. The Christmas Rose produces flowers from late autumn until early spring. These evergreen perennials grow to be approximately 15 inches tall and have glossy, dark green leaves. Each flower stalk bears a single 2 inch to 4 inch white bloom with a note of pale pink.
The Legend of the Christmas Rose is a captivating tale of a little shepherd girl named Madelon. As Madelon tended to her sheep one bitter, cold night, wise men and shepherds passed by bearing gifts for the new-born, Jesus. Madelon saw the beautiful gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense, even the humble shepherds had brought fruits, honey and doves to offer in celebration, but Madelon had nothing for the new-born King. Standing outside the stable where Jesus had been born, Madelon wept, wishing that she had a gift she could offer the infant. A watching Angel, took pity on Madelon, causing the snow at the feet of the small girl to vanish, thus revealing a most stunning white flower whose petals were tipped with pink. Overjoyed, Madelon presented her gift to the baby Jesus…her gift a beautiful Christmas Rose.
You can buy your very own Christmas rose here.
Once your Christmas roses have arrived follow the below planting advice.
– Plant in rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade and provide shelter from strong, cold winds.
– Plants are not happy if left in very dry or waterlogged soil so incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter into the planting hole along with some horticultural grit if the soil is heavy.
– Water regularly during dry spells and mulch annually with leaf mould, chipped bark or other organic matter in autumn.
