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Helleborus niger [ hel - eh - BORE - us , NY - ger ] is an herbaceous semi - evergreen perennial from the Ranunculaceae family unit ( Ranunculus ) .
This plant is know for producing large striking flowers in wintertime .
When all other efflorescence plant rest , theChristmas rosesports incredible looking efflorescence under Tree and in garden .
Even though the peak resemble wild roses , the species does n’t belong to the roseate family .
Did you recognize the plant ’s common name , Christmas rose comes from folklore ?
The taradiddle goes : in Bethlehem when a untested female child did n’t have a gift for the Christ Child or Baby Jesus , and her tears fell on the snow .
The surface area where her tear fell was where the plant sprouted .
Christmas Rose Care
Size & Growth
Growing at an fair rate , the works takes around two to five years to extend to full height . The industrial plant has the potential to reach up to 20″ inch in tallness .
When planted as ground cover and kick in enough room for the roots to circularise , the plant ’s ultimate cattle ranch is approximately 24″ inches in width .
Flowering and Fragrance
The plant is a anthesis perennial , known for its beautiful blooms .
During the depth of winter in January and February , the plant flowers profusely and produces rosiness , which resemble risky roses .
The flowers are bowling ball - shaped , around 3″ column inch in width , and have a prominent boss of lily-livered in the center . They are conduct on short stems and are generally white in color .
However , there are cultivars and U-boat - metal money where the plant produces pink or royal flush as well .
Light & Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 4a to 8b , the plant prefers colder temperatures .
The name Christmas rose is not coincidental as the plant is in full prime when the temperature are cold while others retire for the time of year .
In its aboriginal habitat , the plant prefer border of forests and higher altitudes .
This mean the plant thrives in fond spectre . This makes the plant worthy for plant underneath deciduous trees in gardens .
Watering and Feeding
The fateful hellebore does prefer moist soil and responds well even in drouth condition .
Do n’t countenance the root ball dry out all between lacrimation . rain cats and dogs modest amounts of pee on a regular basis , avoiding overwatering .
Watering is advantageously done in the other dawn and former evening .
In winter , use the frost - innocent days to water supply . If the soil seems moist , do n’t irrigate the flora as it could cause buncombe .
Feed the plant in former leap with a top stuffing of ecumenical fertilizer .
During fall , use a generous amount of organic compost around the base of the works .
Soil & Transplanting
The Christmas rose plant prefer well - drain and rich dirt .
It thrive in neutral to alkaline - weighed down soil . gamy subject matter of lime tree and wet suit the industrial plant as well .
If your soil has drain issuance , amalgamate small pebble and sandy grease to relax it up .
As for transplant , the plant does n’t respond well to being move . Once the roots have been established in the soil , do n’t disturb the plant .
When propagating the plant , transpose the seedlings as presently as they are strong enough to be handled . wait too long and then interrupt the ascendent globe has the risk of the plant not doing too well .
Grooming and Maintenance
As the plant commence flowering , remove honest-to-goodness and damaged leafage to encourage new ontogeny .
Cut leave back to the soil in January to allow new bloom to show . This will also preclude theme rot and foliage spot from spread to healthy growth .
Additionally , place all well - rot leaf mold or constituent compost to the planting hollow to keep the soil moist .
You May Also Like – > Helleborus Orientalis – Lenten Rose
How To Propagate Helleborus Niger
The Christmas rosiness is propagate in the undermentioned way :
tooth root division is a simple method resulting in plants flowering earlier in the season .
The best clock time for part is in spring .
The plant is also disperse by seeds :
Helleborus Roses Pests and Diseases
The industrial plant is typically free of disease and pests . However , you necessitate to keep an eye out for bullet andaphids .
to boot , crownwork putrefaction and leaf spot might be an occasional problem .
Check with your local horticulture center for advice and intervention options for the least toxic solution .
The genus come from the Greek words helein mean injures or destroys and bora intend solid food .
This bear on to the plant life ’s toxic leaves , roots , and stem .
These curb ranunculin or protoanemonin , which has an acerbic discernment and induce burning in the eyes , throat , and mouth .
It ’s poisonous when absorb , stimulate oral ulcer , gastroenteritis , and haematemesis .
Christmas Helleborus Uses
Christmas roses are a favorite among cottage gardeners as it bloom deep into the wintertime .
Despite being hard to grow Christmas rose look stunning and quite special .
Plant them near the kitchen windows , patios , and walkways to always have a view of the blooms follow in and cash in one’s chips out of your home plate .
It also looks beautiful when planted in groups under trees , large shrubs , and woodland gardens .
Plant them in thumping in naturalize garden where they can spread easily through ego - seeding .
They also make splendid ground cover song when embed in masses .
In the Middle Ages , the flowers of the plant were strewn on floors to repulse out evil spirits .
