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This perennial is also known as hellebore from its genus name (Helleborus), and is not a rose at all. It gets this name from the fact the flowers somewhat resemble a small single rose, and it blooms in the north in early spring—the Lent religious season. There have been many improved selections introduced in recent years, and it was named the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2005.
There are about 15 species of hellebores, with four more commonly found, the most common being the Lenten Rose (orientalis) and the Christmas Rose (niger). The Christmas rose blooms much earlier in mild climates such as in Britain, hence its name. One of the legends about it concerns a country girl, Madelon, who visits the Christ child in Bethlehem. Seeing her sadness for not having a gift to bring him, an angel brings her outside and touches the ground. There arise blooms of the Christmas Rose that she can then present as a gift to the baby Jesus.
It is odd to have such a plant celebrate Christ’s birth, as this species and the other members of this genus are highly toxic. It is one of the four classic poisons, together with nightshade, hemlock, and aconite. In fact, the name hellebore comes from the Greek “elein” meaning to injure, and “bora” meaning food.
Use of hellebore dates back to 1400 BCE, when it was used as a purgative to “cleanse the mind of all perverse habits”. It is found in writings through the ages, from the ancient Greeks through the Middle Ages, when it was used by herbalists. It has been used for animal ailments, to bless animals and keep them from evil spirits, to repel flies, to “purge the veins of melancholy, and cheer the heart”, or even in one superstition to make oneself invisible if scattered in the air!
Hellebores are native to southern and central Europe, and from Slovenia to Macedonia. They are often found in mountains, and on stony clay soils. Although the Lenten rose is listed as hardy to zone 4, and the Christmas rose to zone 3, both are usually battered by or under the snow in these areas. Mine in a cold zone 4 often start the spring in a sad state, with unattractive or few flowers, but rebound with nice leaves in the summer. Cutting back damaged spring foliage can result in new growth more quickly.
Most species are not as hardy, and most hybrids that one finds include these less hardy species as parents. Hellebores prefer and grow best in mild climates, such as in Britain, our mid-Atlantic states, the Pacific Northwest, and even the upper Southern states.
Hellebores grow best in part shade, with moist but well-drained soils. In the north, if hardy, they can be grown in full sun if sufficient moisture. They prefer part shade in the south, and grow well on hillsides and slopes. Since they are low (12 to 18 inches high), and flowers are at or below the leaves, they are better appreciated if placed in raised beds, along walks, or on slopes. Much breeding has been towards not only new and better flower colors, and larger flowers, but upward-facing flowers.
Leaves are divided into leathery leaflets with coarsely cut, or spiny, margins. The nodding flowers, up to two inches across, are generally in shades of white, rose, green or purple. Some new hybrids have spotted flowers. What we call the flowers are actually the sepals, the flower petals being inconspicuous.
Flowers and leaves of some species, such as the Lenten and Christmas roses, are stemless—they arise directly from the roots. Other species may have stems. Plants are generally grown from seeds, but this can be quite difficult as with other members of the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup family.
The Christmas rose may be difficult to establish, not tolerate climate and cultural extremes, and may grow well in one area and not one adjacent. The Lenten rose is much easier to grow if you are just trying these plants for the first time. If you have a mild climate, or a protected location, you may wish to try some of the newer hybrids. Check with local perennial nurseries to learn which might grow best in your area.