Hellebore Helleborus niger

Black hellebore is a winter-blooming evergreen perennial in the Ranunculaceae family.  They are often called Christmas roses because they bloom around Christmas in warmer regions and in early spring in cooler areas. The scientific name comes from the Greek words 'helein', meaning injures, and 'bora', meaning food, referring to the toxic properties when the plant is eaten.  The specific name 'niger', which means black, is in reference to the color of the roots.

Plant in partial to full shade with organically enriched soil. It is intolerant of bright winter sun and high temperatures but is resistant to damage by deer browsing.  They grow to a height of 9 to 12 inches tall with stemless basal leaves and have large, bowl-shaped, white flowers with yellow stamens that appear late winter to very early spring. They are an excellent cut flower and are attractive when set floating in a bowl of water.  

Utilize this in a border front, in patio plantings, along walkways, or other in protected, shady spots like under shade trees or large shrubs. It is an excellent choice for long, winter blooming display so place it where its blooms will be enjoyed. It will self-seed easily, and when planted in small groups or massed, it makes an attractive clumping groundcover even when the flowers are spent. It is often offered as a florist plant during the winter holidays.

While there are numerous hybrid selections and species available, they are often difficult to distinguish and are misidentified in the trade.  The common name lenten rose is used for many of them though it is a name historically associated with H. orientalis. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Flowers nodding, petaloid sepals
• Short plant with stiff, large, evergreen leaves 
• Leaves are palmately divided into many leaflets
• Flower center of numerous stamens outlined by tubular nectaries, or fleshy, beaked capsules

Insects, Diseases, Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and slugs are occasional pests.  Fungal diseases can be a problem. The leaves and roots are poisonous. This plant can spread through self-seeding. The NC Invasive Plant Council regards all hellebores as potentially invasive, although the threat is low.

More information on Helleborus.