Che Christmas Rose 
Helleborus niger altifolius 
Although called a “Christmas Rose”, it 
belongs not to the rose family but to the 
crowfoot or ranunculacae along with the 
buttercup, anemone, and hepatica. Unafraid 
of snow and cold, the plant blooms out- 
doors from November on, with strag- 
glers into early spring. 
It is a perennial with leaves and flowers 
springing direct from the ground, and 
grows to a height of about a foot. Flow- 
ers are pure white on opening but turn to 
rosy bronze shades as they age. The leaves 
are evergreen. 
The Christmas Rose is ideal for dooryard 
gardens planted in groups about a foot 
apart, among ivy, myrtle or spurge. It is 
delightful used in the foreground of a 
planting of broad-leaved evergreens where 
it can be seen blooming in winter from 
house windows. A sheltered, semi-shaded po- 
sition in ordinary garden soil with suffi- — 
cient moisture is best for the Christmas 
Rose. Good drainage is essential. Do not 
plant too close to tree roots. 
Soil should be prepared to a depth of 
18 inches when plants are set out. Once 
established they require little care except 
watering in dry periods; but if fertilizing 
