The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is a popular ornamental plant in the garden and on the terrace and balcony because of its winter-blooming flowers. There are wild populations of the Christmas rose in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Croatia. The Christmas rose, also known as the snow rose or black hellebore, is characterized by leathery, deep green leaves crowned by large, white, flat flowers. How then can you cut and care for a Christmas rose?
Great for the front of a slightly shady bed, the snow rose makes a lovely cut flower - simply float the flowers in a bowl of water to display them. Read on to learn more about how you should care for this charming plant!
While most species of this plant have small, white flowers, there are several hybrid varieties, including some with larger flowers, some pink-flowered varieties, and some with double flowers, making them a popular choice for winter gardens. It has been shown that under optimal conditions the plant can live for 30 years or more after being planted.
The Greeks used thisPlant as a medicineand Hippocrates frequently prescribed them. Pliny the Roman wrote that this herb was used as early as 1400 BC. was used by people. The clump-growing plant, which thrives in mild climates, is a beautiful ground cover and is easy to maintain in gardens, pots and in the shade of trees and large shrubs.
Pruning Christmas roses
Christmas roses do not need regular pruning. In early summer, around May, you can only cut off the faded flower stalks of the Christmas rose so that it does not invest its energy in the formation of seed capsules. Only when the old leaf has completely dried out should it be removed. This allows the plant to absorb the remaining nutrients and prepare for the next flowering cycle. Eliminating the rotting leaves also helps prevent the spread of pests and fungi.
However, you can also wait until the first flower buds appear in December or January to prune if necessary. At this time, the previous year's vegetation usually dies off. The dried leaves should be removed for two reasons: on the one hand, this makes them more susceptible to fungal attack, as already mentioned, and on the other hand, the fresh flowers can be shown to better effect.
Note the following:It is recommended to wear gloves when cutting Christmas roses as the plant sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation.
Conclusion:Experts recommend cutting back the leaves in December and the spent flowers in May.
Light requirements and location
Christmas roses need time to grow. A semi-shady spot near bushes is good because it canthey thrive undisturbedand still receive enough light.
Irrigation and nutrient supply
Although black hellebore thrives best in a moist environment, it can also survive in dry soil if necessary. Keep the root ball moist and do not allow it to dry out completely. Do not overwater the plant by constantly watering it with large amounts of water. Morning and evening are the best times to water. In winter, you should water on days without frost. Do not water the plant if the soil already appears wet - this could lead to rot.Mulch is usefulto retain moisture in the soil and prevent water loss. If a plant doesn't get enough water, you can tell if the leaves start to droop.
Give the plant a light, all-purpose fertilizer as a top dressing in the spring and plenty of organic compost around the plant in the fall.
Which soil is good for snow roses?
The Christmas rose feels comfortable in moist but well-drained soil. It grows in neutral to alkaline soils. Limescale and high moisture content are also of concernAdvantage for the plant. You can improve your soil's drainage by combining small stones with sandy soil.
Cutting and caring for Christmas roses – correct propagation and division
A simple way to get plants to bloom earlier in the season is to divide their roots. The optimal time for division is in August. To divide an older plant's root ball into manageable pieces, use a spade. Separate the root ball and transplant it into the ground or into separate containers. If you water the soil regularly, you should see new growth after just a few weeks.
- The plant can also be grown from its own seeds:
The seeds can be harvested by waiting until the flowers on the plant have dried. The seed capsules are located in the flowers. When the flowers wither, the seeds fall on their own. Once the seedlings are large enough to be handled, transplant them into separate pots.
Also read:Christmas rose in a pot: How you should plant and care for it and where it thrives best!
