The Christmas Rose and a new era

Over the years gardeners have become much more confidant, capable and educated. Retailers and breeders are leaping to satisfy the demand - mass producing cultivars formerly reserved for collectors. There’s an insatiable appetite for new varieties and those that were once thought challenging are now being attempted.

Add Hellebores to the list. During a trip to Newfoundland a few years ago in May I found these charming perennials blooming in several gardens.

The most popular Hellebores are H. niger (Christmas Rose) and H. orientalis (Lenten Rose). The difference between the two is slight. The Christmas Rose sometimes blooms as early as December however the Lenten Rose has a larger flower and many more colours.

The foliage of both types is evergreen, a nice feature in the winterscape. These plants are happiest at the edge of woodland or bordering a shrub bed in partial shade with rich, moist soil.

For a plant with such a pretty sounding name, the Christmas Rose has a pretty dark past. Treat all varieties as poisonous, for in centuries past herbalists have harnessed their violent narcotic and purgative qualities in minute quantities to treat paralysis, gout and insanity.

Legends connected with hellebore include usage in witchcraft to summon demons. You could say chemical warfare was used during the first sacred battle in 585 BC because of this plant. It was used to poison a city’s water supply and made the residents so weak with diarrhea they could not defend their stronghold.

Sobering information that’s a good example of the fascinating history associated with some plants.

One thing to keep in mind with regard to growing Hellebores is that they hate to be moved. They take a while to become established and form colonies. Also, slugs can be troublesome so arm yourself with your favorite weapon, be it slug bait, copper bands, beer-filled saucers, dog hair or diatomaceous earth.

Helleborus x hybridus include unusual shades like plum, deep reddish pink and even yellow. They’re also available as semi-doubles, bicolors, and in picotees form. For an illuminating glimpse into what’s available in Hellebores nowadays, check out www.hellebores.org.