Helleborus Foetidus Christmas Rose

Helleborus Foetidus also known as Christmas Rose 
Helleborus foetidus is an evergreen perennial shrub that is hardy throughout most of UK. It is winter-flowering at Christmas time, producing lime-green flowers. It has unusual palmate leaves that are a very dark, almost blue-green. In fact the foliage is at its darkest in winter, turning a lighter shade in summer.  Some people also call it the `Christmas Rose` due to the fact that it flowers around Christmas time. Helleborus foetidus or Christmas Rose reaches an ultimate height of about 0.8m. It thrives in partly shaded or fully shaded aspects and prefers nutrient-rich, alkaline soil that is well-drained. 

The origins of Helleborus foetidus can be traced to Southern and Central Europe where it grows wild and free. As civilization set in, it was gradually adapted by gardening enthusiasts because of its hardiness and drought resistance capability. Today, it graces many gardens in England and Ireland. Its popularity has continued to increase as it thrives in shaded areas, producing elegant flowers in midwinter, which have the effect of brightening up any garden. It is a durable plant that does not require a lot of attention. 

Hellebores will perform well when planted in containers, which is a great way to control its spread.

Helleborus foetidus has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit which is a green-light that it thrives in most gardens in the UK and Ireland.