The Christmas rose, Helleborus niger, bears large, round, white flat-faced flowers above low-growing mounds of leathery, deep green foliage. It’s perfect for growing at the front of a partially shaded border and makes an excellent cut flower – simply float the blooms in a bowl of water to display them.
For best results grow Helleborus niger in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Mulch annually with well-rotted compost or manure, and cut back the old leaves as flowers and new foliage appear. Like all hellebores, Helleborus niger dislikes being moved once established, so should not be divided. Given the right conditions, it will self-seed quite sufficiently to provide replacements.
How to grow Helleborus niger
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Plant size
45cm height
45cm spread
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Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
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Position in border
Front
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / chalky / alkaline / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Helleborus niger is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive toBees
Does not attractBeneficial insects
Does not attractBirds
Does not attractButterflies/Moths
Does not attractOther pollinators
Is Helleborus niger poisonous?
Helleborus niger can be toxic.
Toxic toCats
Toxic toDogs
Toxic toHorses
Toxic toPeople
No reported toxicity toBirds
No reported toxicity toLivestock