Hellebore 'Double Christmas Rose'

Helleborus niger, or Christmas Roses are real gems for the winter garden, flowering while many plants are dormant.

A special and rare Hellebore, double forms of this species are highly sought after. They are hand pollinated by Hellebore doyens, Peter Leigh and Cathryn Goebel.

The mottled, leathery foliage is a year round feature. This is species variety that is rarely seen so worth snapping up.

Christmas Roses are both low maintenance and really hardy. They are useful for growing in hard to fill shaded areas such as beneath deciduous trees. It is best to ensure they are planted in part shade or morning sun for optimal results as they need a bit of winter sun in order to bloom. In heavy shade they will grow but not flower as well as they could. They can also be grown in pots.

Plant in well drained, humus rich soil. Water to establish, then keep moist when in flower. The plants become dry tolerant as they establish. Christmas Rose flowers can be picked, you can use the stems in a vase or cut them off to float the blooms in a bowl.

Christmas Rose is variably known as Lenten Rose, Brumal Rose, Clove-Tongue, Bear’s Foot and St Agnes’ Rose.