Helleborus niger, aka the “Christmas Rose”, has nothing to do with the Christmas holiday or roses. It is, in fact, a species of Hellebore that happens to bloom very close to Christmas and then keeps blooming until early Spring. This perennial, winter bloomer is low maintenance, prefers the shade, and is poisonous.

Hellebore Varieties
Hellebores are pretty low maintenance which makes them suitable for any level of gardener, especially beginning gardeners. As long as they have full to partial shade, they are tough, resilient plants that bloom with elegant, downward-facing flowers.H. niger ‘Jacob’
- Helleborus niger ‘White Magic’
- Helleborus niger ‘Jacob ‘
- Helleborus niger ‘Ivory Prince’
- Helleborus argutifolius ‘Silver Lace’
- Helleborus foetidus ‘Red Silver’
Helleborus niger: A Mini Plant Profile Show Notes
Helleborus niger or more commonly known as the Christmas Rose Hellebore.- Native to Europe.
- Flowers from around Christmas all the way into Spring.
- Grows about 1 foot tall and 1 ½ feet wide, spreading.
- Flowers 2 inches in diameter starting out white and turning pink as they age.
- Thrives in almost entirely shaded areas.
- Doesn’t like to be transplanted, but can be after 2 years growing in one location.
- Transplant in Spring after done flowering.
- Fertilized 1 or 2 times a year.
- Likes high pH soils.
- Needs regular watering.
- Grows in Sunset Zones 1 – 7, and 14 – 17.
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Today’s Topic:
Helleborus niger
Learn general characteristics and maintenance for the Christmas Rose, or Helleborus niger.Downloads:
Show Notes 7 Winter Flowering Plants Cheat Sheet from our Free Resources LibraryWhat You’ll Learn:
- Plant profile of Helleborus niger, aka the “Christmas Rose”
- Brief guide to general maintenance, watering needs, etc.
Resources:
Some of the resources and products below may be affiliate links, meaning we might get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.- Hello Hellebore: Gardener’s Guide and Plant Profile
- Hellebore Care: Quick Care Tips For These Winter Bloomers – DIY Garden Minute Ep. 52
- Camellia: A Gardener’s Guide and Plant Profile
- Best Pruning Shears For Any Gardener!
- Understanding Basic Plant Growth – DIY Garden Minute Ep. 30
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