Helleborus: Christmas Rose is Unique

Both the Christmas rose and another garden relative, the Lenten rose, are herbaceous evergreen plants of the genus Helleborus. Hellebores as they were called, were popular among the ancient Greeks, and the plant was believed to be a cure for insanity. However, the leaves and roots are actually poisonous, and the word hellebore comes from Greek which means "food to kill." The greatest concentration of poison is in the roots. Therefore, it is a plant to be used with caution, especially where young children might play.

In milder climates the Christmas rose is winter flowering - the source of its popular name. Its origin and association with Christmas were often depicted in medieval Nativity plays which presented a story not unlike one sometimes associated with the poinsettia in later years. The story tells of a small country girl accompanying the shepherds, who wept at the manger because she did not have an offering for the Holy Child - not even flowers for it was winter.

An angel led her outside and touched the cold earth. In the dark winter's night the Christmas rose sprang up and blossomed. Because of this story, it was long believed that the Christmas rose was a holy flower. Therefore, it was often planted close to the entrances of homes in the belief that it would prevent evil spirits from passing and entering the house.

The hellebores are native to limestone regions of Europe and do not survive in acid soils. Because of this, and other cultural needs, they cannot be planted and ignored in our climate. The Christmas rose is not a rose, and is not Christmas flowering. If planted near a warm house foundation, or in a protected spot it may begin flowering during the first warm spell of late winter. In more exposed locations, it is more likely to flower in late February or during March.

The Lenten rose flowers about a month later. The novelty of its time of bloom has been most important in the Christmas rose's popularity. Its deep green, leathery, evergreen foliage is another attribute. During severe winters the foliage may scorch or turn brown if not protected. If temperatures drop very low, as plants without protection may be killed. Not one of the easiest garden plants to grow it is, nevertheless, quite rewarding then success is achieved.

Helleborus plants grow best in deep, fertile, moist but welldrained soil. The soil should be neutral (pH 7) to slightly alkaline (pH 7.4). This means that it is usually necessary to add ground limestone to the soil in preparation for planting. In addition to adding lime, compost and superphosphate should also be added. The Christmas rose does not like to be moved, so once established it should be left undisturbed unless transplanting becomes necessary because of crowding from other plants. This is not a plant that competes well with others.

In good locations, plants have been known to thrive in one location as long as 50 years. In our climate, the hellebores are best planted in spring so plants can become well established by winter. A mulch around the crowns is important, not only to keep the soil cool during summer, but to maintain uniform soil moisture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helleborus