[PDF] Helleborus niger `Praecox` - Rose de Noël - Cartes De Crédit

Is Helleborus niger poisonous?

Helleborus niger, commonly called Christmas rose or black hellebore, is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is poisonous. Although the flowers resemble wild roses (and despite its common name), Christmas rose does not belong to the rose family ( Rosaceae ).

Why is Helleborus niger called a Christmas rose?

Helleborus niger is commonly called the Christmas rose, due to an old legend that it sprouted in the snow from the tears of a young girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem. One legend states that the flower blooms at the abbey in England founded by St. Thomas. It is said to bloom near the new calendar date of 6 January.

Can Helleborus niger be divided?

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. Helleborus is known for attracting bees.

How do you grow Helleborus niger?

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.