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Botanical name: Helleborus niger
German name: Christrose
Family: Ranunculaceae
Flowering time: January to March, November to December
Flowers: pink, white
Foliage: green
Growth habit: perennial, up to 30 cm high
Origin: Southeast Asia
The Christmas rose, also known as the snow rose or hellebore, is particularly attractive in the garden in winter with its bright white flowers. This winter-green, perennial plant can reach a height of up to 30 cm. The flowers are made up of five egg-shaped sepals and appear from December to March. Some varieties even flower as early as November.
Helleborus niger is extremely hardy and thrives best in soil that is rich in nutrients and humus. It prefers a semi-shady location and should not be placed in the shade of buildings so as not to hinder the development of further flower buds. However, a location under deciduous trees or shrubs is suitable. This means that the Christmas rose is not exposed to strong sunlight, while the foliage serves as protection in winter. Take care to avoid waterlogging to prevent the plant from dying.
Due to its high concentration of ingredients, the Christmas rose is poisonous. The location should therefore be chosen carefully, especially where children or pets are present. Gloves should be worn when cutting the flower stalks, as the escaping sap can cause severe skin irritation.
Helleborus niger is particularly effective in groups. In combination with other bulbous plants such as tulips, snowdrops, crocuses, columbines or cranesbills, it makes a wonderful eye-catcher in winter. On its own, it makes an excellent ground cover and fills gaps in the garden design. The Christmas rose is ideal for natural gardens.
In planters, the soil should be provided with a drainage layer of expanded clay. It is important to ensure that the pot is sufficiently high, as the perennial is a deep-rooting plant. Waterlogging should also be avoided here. This way, the Christmas rose can thrive magnificently for many years and provide a colorful accent in the garden or on the patio.
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PARC'S Gartengestaltung is your planning specialist from Rapperswil-Jona for functional and aesthetic landscape architecture and environmental design. Our designs take up the central idea of the building architecture and harmonize interior and exterior space.