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    Home » Gardening

    Christmas Rose Flowers - Helleborus niger

    by Patti Estep · Dec 5, 2022

    Helleborus niger growing in small pots
    Pots of The Christmas Rose plant over the same plant growing in the garden.

    Learn a little bit about this beautiful perennial plant commonly call the Christmas Rose because it often blooms around the holiday.

    Blooming helleborus niger or Christmas rose in the garden.
    Helleborus niger - Common Name "Christmas Rose"

    Helleborus niger is commonly known as the Christmas Rose because in warmer climates it blooms in December. However, in cold climates, it's likely to bloom in late winter, around February, or early spring much like other Hellebores aka Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis).

    One of the differences between Helleborus niger and Helleborus orientalis as you can see from the image above the Christmas rose flower faces outward whereas the Lenten rose below is nodding downward.

    Patch of dark purple hellebores
    Lenten Rose

    The Christmas Rose is native to Southern Europe and belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It's a pretty evergreen perennial with large white flowers. The foliage is made up of palm-like low lying evergreen green leaves.

    Interestingly the term "niger" typically translates to the word black but these flowers are white, sometimes tinged with pink. Apparently, the niger is referring to the color of the roots of the plant.

    Close up of the flowers of the Christmas rose blooming in the snow.

    Helleborus 'niger' - The Christmas Rose Characteristics

    • Size: 12 inches tall by 18 inches wide
    • Hardy to USDA Zones 3-8
    • Light Requirements - Partial shade to full shade
    • Water Needs - Average
    • Soil - Average to moist soil that's well-draining
    • Bloom time - November to February
    • Deer resistant
    • Aphids, snails, and slugs can be an issue
    • Makes a good cut flower

    Toxicity

    All parts of this plant are toxic. Use caution and seek medical attention if you suspect the plant has been ingested by children or animals.

    Helleborus niger in pots in a garden shop.

    I've seen them in fancy gift shops during the holidays and they always grab my attention. I know that they will probably not bloom here during Christmas but I think I'll have to get some anyway the next time I come across a pot.

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    More Great Perennials to Grow

    • Begonia Grandis
    • Perennial Salvias
    • Growing Catmint
    • Hardy Geraniums
    • Anemone hupehensis 'September Charm'
    White Christmas rose aka Helleborus niger in bloom.
    « Stained Glass Window Cookies
    DIY Evergreen Wreath for Your Holiday Front Door »

    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carole

      December 10, 2022 at 11:38 am

      Will add this to my plant list. Would be pretty to incorporate outside the front door area. We just finished making stepping stones and when the ground dries we'll have gravel delivered to finish. Pinned for later and thank you for bringing attention to this beauty.

      Carole

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 11, 2022 at 7:46 am

        Hi Carole. It's a sweet plant and would look great outside your front door. You could also try any number of helleborus orientalis. I have a few of them and they are one of the first things to bloom in my northern garden.

        Reply

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    Pots of The Christmas Rose plant over the same plant growing in the garden.
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    Helleborus niger growing in small pots
    Pots of The Christmas Rose plant over the same plant growing in the garden.

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