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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names Christmas rose bear's foot
black hellebore brumal rose Christmas plant Christopher's herb Christ's herb clove-tongue St Agnes' rose
Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Helleborus can be rhizomatous, herbaceous or semi-evergreen perennials forming a clump of pedate basal leaves, or evergreen with erect, leafy stems. Large, bowl-shaped flowers are borne in loose clusters in late winter or spring
Details H. niger is a semi-evergreen perennial to 30cm, with pedately lobed, leathery, dark green leaves and 1-3 pure white or pink-flushed white, bowl-shaped flowers up to 8cm in width
Plant range Europe, SW Asia
Foliage Semi-evergreen
Habit Clump-forming
Toxicity Ingestion may cause severe discomfort, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Partial Shade
Aspect East-facing or North-facing or West-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
MoistureMoist but well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam
pHAlkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.1-0.5 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Thrives in neutral to alkaline soils that are moist, fertile and humus-rich, ideal for heavy clay in partial shade. Provide shelter from strong, cold winds. Mulch annually in autumn
Propagation Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or propagate by division after flowering in early spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types Cut Flowers Flower borders and beds Underplanting of Roses and Shrubs Cottage & Informal Garden
Pruning Remove faded or damaged foliage as the flowers appear
Pests Prone to hellebore aphid and snails
Diseases May be affected by hellebore leaf spot and a virus
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
Christmas rose
Buy from £17.99 at the RHS Plants Shop
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.