Christmas rose hellebore

Helleborus niger

Evergreen shade perennial with leathery dark leaves and large pure white flowers in midwinter. Distinct from the more familiar Lenten rose hellebore (H. orientalis).

Hardiness ratings

Christmas rose hellebore hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −40 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–8 −34 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Flowers in December and January in much of the Northern Hemisphere — a critical winter forage source for bumblebees on warm days
  • Prefers humus-rich, alkaline soil in dappled shade
  • Distinct from the spring-flowering Lenten rose (H. orientalis) — Christmas rose flowers earlier and is more demanding

Pet caution: Christmas rose hellebore is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Christmas rose hellebore against your zones

Reference

Christmas rose hellebore on Wikipedia