About
Helleborus niger, the Christmas rose, is a short, evergreen perennial to 30 cm with leathery, dark-green leaves each composed of 7�9 leaflets. Pure-white or pink-flushed-white, bowl-shaped flowers up to 8 cm wide are produced on stout stems from midwinter to early spring. One of the most beloved and classic of all winter-flowering garden plants.
About the genus
Helleborus, the hellebores, are rhizomatous, herbaceous or evergreen perennials with bold, pedate or palmate, deeply divided, leathery leaves and nodding, bowl-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. Long-lived and ornamental plants for shaded or partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, SW Asia
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationThrives in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich, ideal for heavy clay in partial shade. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn. See hellebore cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or propagate by division after flowering in early spring or late summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore aphid, hellebore leaf miner and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hellebore leaf spot and hellebore black death