A shade-loving, early-blooming perennial
Over the years, a variety of plants have come to be called “Christmas Roses”; all of them are immersed in a legend that dates back centuries. Most often, the plant that Americans associate with the legend of the Christmas Rose is the hellebore.
In late winter, the first plants to bloom in my garden are the Christmas hellebore, which often first appears while there is still snow on the ground. Its evergreen flowers and foliage brighten the winter garden and offer a hint of spring to come. Native to much of Europe, hellebores were cultivated at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia as early as 1793 and today gardeners can’t seem to get enough of them. Over the past decade, breeders have created many new hybrids of the late Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis). Now they have started to work their magic with the Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger).
The Legend of the Christmas Rose
When the Three Wise Men deposited their rich offerings of myrrh, frankincense and gold, by the bedside of the sleeping Child Jesus, legend has it that a shepherd maiden stood outside the door silently weeping.
She had also searched for the Baby Jesus and wanted to bring him gifts. But she had nothing to offer, because she was really very poor. She had searched the field for a little flower to bring him, but she could not find either flowers or leaves, because the winter had been cold.
And as she stood there weeping, a passing angel saw her pain, and bending down, the angel brushed away the snow at her feet. And there sprouted on the spot a bunch of beautiful winter roses, waxy with light pink petals.
“Neither myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold,” said the angel, “is worthier to the Child Jesus than these pure Christmas Roses.” These are brought by the shepherdess to Jesus, who smiles broadly and touches them, turning them pale pink.
Double Fantasy Christmas Rose Gift Offer
This year we have the new Double Christmas Rose – ‘Double Fantasy’ which will make a lovely and thoughtful gift. ‘Double Fantasy’ features pure white, ruffled flowers with multiple rows of petals that look even more like true roses. They “pop” against the evergreen dark green foliage. ‘Double Fantasy’ can be kept indoors and planted in the garden in spring. It will look beautiful under deciduous trees, alongside shady patios or patio gardens. Be sure to plant your Christmas rose closely, so you can enjoy its beautiful blooms in the dead of winter. ‘Double Fantasy’ provides a nice textural fun in a bed of hostas or mixed border. And, deer don’t eat hellebore.
Planting and Care
‘Double Fantasy’ is perennial and easy to grow. It matures into a mound of evergreen leaves ultimately nearly three feet wide and 18-24 inches tall and lasts for decades. In most North American climates, where the ground freezes, a winter thaw will bring the much-loved floral display.
