“In November, some birds move away and some birds stay. The air is full of good-byes and well-wishes. The birds who are leaving look very serious. No silly spring chirping now. They have long journeys and must watch where they are going. The staying birds are serious, too, for cold times lie ahead. Hard times. All berries will be treasures.” – Cynthia Rylant.
“Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils.” – Cyril Connolly.
“Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” – Chad Sugg.
It’s always pleasing and stimulating to see colorful plants of the season on display throughout our towns and communities. One selection is the Christmas rose! (Which actually isn’t a true rose at all). In fact, it is a hellebore (Helleborus niger) and it may not flower as early as Christmas since it is a mid-winter flowering plant. The hellibores comprise approximately 20 species of herbaceous or evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae. Many of the species are poisonous. Even with names such as Christmas rose and Lenten rose, the hellebores are not even closely related to the rose family (Rosaceae). However, the Christmas rose does add holiday color to our cheerful and joyful environments throughout the season.
Even so, Helleborus niger is an awesome plant with white, bowl-shaped flowers and lime green centers that will brighten a moist, shady location in late winter and early spring. The typical size is about 12 inches in height and 18 inches in spread. This hellebore (the Christmas rose) is a renowned English plant and a true Christmas flower. Also called the snow or winter rose, it blooms in the middle of winter in the mountains of central Europe.
Legend links this plant with the birth of Christ and a little shepherd girl named Madelon. As Madelon tended her sheep in a snow-covered field one cold winter night, wise men and other shepherds with their gifts for the Christ Child passed by her. The wise men brought the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense while the shepherds came with fruits, honey and doves. Upon realizing the occasion, poor little Madelon wept at the thought of having nothing for the newborn King. In response to seeing her tears, an angel came and brushed away the snow exposing the most beautiful white flowers with pink tips appearing as roses. She collected several blooms in her arms and went to see the Christ Child. She was overjoyed with complete fulfillment as the Christ Child turned away from all the rich gifts and reached out his holy little hands for the flowers she collected and offered. To her, this was truly a gift from the heavens to cheer her true and innocent heart (thus the recognition of the Christmas rose).
The Christmas rose is without fragrance but can be planted with winter honeysuckle to provide an inviting aroma. Its flowers don’t do well in a vase as a cut arrangement but simply cut the flowers without any stems and float them in a shallow bowl of water for an intriguing presentation that will be talked about for months.
Since hellebores do not like acid conditions, be sure to maintaining a more neutral to alkaline pH in the planting media. They do well under deciduous trees and against the bare trunks which allow light penetration during their flowering period. Planting them in containers and pots is also a good idea and they can be moved from location to location when in bloom. Also, they do well as a houseplant in the interior-scape and in the landscape as a cultivated herbaceous perennial.
All parts of this plant are poisonous by ingestion or dermally through the skin and or eye irritation. Symptoms of poisoning include the burning of mouth and throat, salivation, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nervous symptoms, depression, and skin irritation (contact with cell sap). Protoanemonin, the toxic component, is poisonous if large quantities are consumed, but the skin irritation is minor lasting only a few minutes under normal exposure conditions. Wear disposable gloves when in contact with this plant.
The Christmas rose is the most widely used and the most spectacular of the hellebores. It is easier to grow than the more popular poinsettia and this flower is being promoted as the new and improved holiday potted plant which can later be transplanted into perennial beds for lasting enjoyment.
Hybridization between the species has greatly expanded the colors available including slate grey, light black, deep purple, plum, rich red, pinks, yellow, white and green. The outer surface of the sepals is tinged in green and as the flower matures it becomes greener. The individual flowers will remain intact for a month or more. Recent breeding programs have developed double- and semi-double flowering hellibores. Also, many new releases are disease and insect tolerant, including deer and rabbit tolerance.
Remember to read the Book of Luke (24 chapters) in the Bible beginning on Dec 1 and reading a chapter a night through Dec 24. All this to better learn and understand Who and why we celebrate Christmas. CHRISTmas is about Jesus and His love and in these chapters you will read an entire account of Jesus’ life. Love others and help the homeless every chance you get. As you receive His blessings, always pay them forward. Pay for a stranger’s meal as the opportunity arises. The feelings you receive through blessing others are truly uplifting and most rewarding. Happy December!
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12. “We wait for the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13. “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37. “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14.