Helleborus niger
Common name: Christmas rose Helleborus niger's blossoms theoretically can open by the end of December (hence its common name), but they are always a bit later than that in my garden. Nevertheless, I'm not complaining. How could I, when this plant never fails to present 30 or more blossoms per medium sized clump, and that in the dead of winter? Unlike the drooping flowers of the oriental hellebore, those of H. niger face squarely outward, so you don't have to lie on your back under the plant to see the faces of the blossoms. And what blossoms! They are a study in elegance and purity, with 5 petals that seem to be molded out of white wax, arrayed around a boss of showy golden stamens. Like those of the oriental hellebore, each blossom lasts for several weeks, going through an aging process that is to be envied by us women. A couple of weeks after opening, the backs of the petals near the calyx become blushed with the most delicate shade of pink. This color deepens and the petals thicken, turning slowly green as the seeds ripen in the center of the flower. Why is this beautiful hellebore so rarely seen in today's gardens, while the oriental hellebore is making a strong comeback? Quite simply, because it is a shy grower, slower to establish than oriental hellebore, and resentful of excesses of attention. It will turn its back and shrivel up for any number of reasons. The first is poor soil. The shy Christmas rose absolutely must have soil that is deeply amended with plenty of compost, aged manure, and leaf mold. Add some sharp sand if your soil is especially heavy and sticky. Helleborus niger likes evenly moist yet perfectly drained soil and will immediately turn black and die if planted in soggy conditions or overwatered. Once established, it is extremely tolerant of drought and indeed prefers it to being overwatered. Remember, this is a plant native to submontane zones of Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, and northern Italy. Treat it like an almost-alpine. Best flowering occurs in light and not heavy shade. A woodland edge is a good situation. Do not use chemical fertilizers on this plant as it is extremely sensitive to them and burns easily. Stick to dressing it with compost or aged manure in the fall. Once the plant has flowered and new foliage shows signs of emerging, you can cut away the old leaves. During the summer, the plant is happy in near-droughty conditions once it is established. In winter, if you live in Zone 6 or northward and do not have reliable snow cover, mulch the plant with the airiest material possible. It cannot stand stagnant moisture and will rot if covered with matting leaves or straw. It loves to be covered with snow. When you plant your Christmas rose, make sure you have chosen the spot well. This is a plant that tolerates transplanting very poorly. Should you ever have to move a plant, dig a ball of earth around its roots as you would for a shrub. Whatever you do, don't divide it as you normally would most perennials at transplanting time. Multiply the plant by planting the fresh seed in light soil in a shady spot, or in very light planting medium in a cool, shaded greenhouse. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in early summer. In less severe climates, Helleborus niger makes a superb container subject. The plant in the photo is on my Paris terrace. If you're lucky enough to have several plants with an abundance of flowers, cut some with a short bit of stem and float them in a crystal bowl indoors. Enjoy some other plants in profile: |
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Having a collector's mentality in my plant passion, I've had to learn how to make the best garden choices for myself and others. Here are my very favorite plants--some old, some new--but all plants that earn their place in any garden. Included are the latest and greatest plant introductions from France and the rest of Europe eminently suitable for New World gardens.
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