Helen

Hellebore

Helleborus niger 'Christmas Carol'

• 
  Low light
• 
  Pollinator friendly
• 
  Winter interest

• Helen likes...
  • 
    A shady spot

    She’s perfect for the shadier spots in your outdoor space. She’s fine in sun but doesn’t need much of it.

  • 
    Moist soil

    She likes her soil to stay moist, so try not to let her dry out. Rain will probably water her enough in winter.

  • 
    Feeding

    She should flower from late winter to spring. Feed her once a week in spring to help her flower for as long as possible.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Helleborus niger ‘Christmas Carol’

  Nickname

  Hellebore; Christmas rose; winter rose

  Plant type

  Evergreen, outdoor

  Plant height (including pot)

  10-20cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if eaten

  Nursery pot size

  12cm

• About hellebores

  Add some hellebores to your outdoor space and you’ll guarantee cheerful flowers in the deep of winter, when most other plants are sleeping. Hellebores thrive in almost any position, from full sun to shade, so anyone can grow them.

  Hellebores usually grow in forests, which is why they’re so adaptable. They’re used to making do with whatever level of light they get. They prefer moist conditions, so keep them well watered.

  This species, ‘Christmas Carol’, has small white flowers that appear in late winter and keep going into spring. Even when not in flower it adds stylish interest with its dark-green, glossy leaves. Bees love it as it provides pollen in winter.

  Aside from watering and a weeklyfeedwhen it’s flowering, it requires very little extra care. When new leaves and flowers begin to appear in winter,trimoff any old and tired growth. It will help keep your plant looking healthy.

  Did you know?

  Ancient Greeks and Romans used hellebores to ‘treat’ conditions including paralysis and gout, despite hellebores being poisonous.