Helleborus niger is an evergreen perennial in the Ranunculaceae family. Its native range is in the Alps and Appennini. Familiar names include Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose, and Black Hellebore 'White Christmas'. It is found growing in the mountain areas in Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, southern Germany, and northern Italy. It is a cottage garden favorite because it blooms in the winter months. It likes to grow in soils rich in humus and alkaline. It can grow to about a foot tall with leathery leaves that take the shape of feet. The flowers are usually bright white but sometimes have a tinge of pink. The end of the petals can also have pink or green, with the center loaded with yellow stamens. They are in bloom from the middle of winter until early spring. It prefers to grow in the shade with average water needs. Zones 5-9
Germination
Sow seeds on top, tamp, then lightly cover. Keep moist in a bright spot. Do not cover and keep temperatures around 70-75F for six weeks. Move to 40F for four weeks, then to 50F for germination.
