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Ranunculaceae
Christmas Rose
Helleborus niger
Hope in darkness.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Helleborus
- Native to
- Central Europe, Southern Europe
- Bloom season
- Winter, Early Spring
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.75-1.5 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, alkaline
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- According to legend, it sprouted from the tears of a young girl who had no gift to give the Christ child.
- Despite its name, the Christmas rose is not related to roses at all but belongs to the buttercup family.
- The species name 'niger' refers to the dark-colored roots, not the flower color.
- All parts of the plant are highly toxic and were used in ancient times as a poison and a treatment for madness.
- The flowers can push up through snow to bloom, making them one of the earliest flowering perennials in the garden.
Color meanings
0
hope
1
serenity
2
peace