Christmas rose Helleborus niger
Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Alps and mountains of central and southern Europe. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Christmas rose at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Alps and mountains of central and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Christmas rose toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, roots, sap
Contains cardiac glycosides (hellebrin) and irritant saponins; poisonous if eaten and the sap irritates skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Christmas rose
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Christmas rose
- How far apart should I plant Christmas rose?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Christmas rose need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Christmas rose need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Christmas rose?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Christmas rose flower?
- From about February for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Christmas rose poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides (hellebrin) and irritant saponins; poisonous if eaten and the sap irritates skin.
- What grows well with Christmas rose?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Christmas rose. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Flowers from midwinter to early spring and often needs undisturbed years to establish; prefers lime and shade from summer sun.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus