How big does Christmas rose grow?

About 30 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 23–38 cm × 30–45 cm.

What soil does Christmas rose grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, calcareous.

Is Christmas rose hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Christmas rose flower?

Flowering: December–April, white, pink.

How much water does Christmas rose need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Christmas rose

Helleborus niger

Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is a perennial that reaches 30 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 22.

Illustration of Christmas rose — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low evergreen perennial that opens large pure white flowers with yellow stamens from midwinter to early spring, often pushing up through snow. Give it part shade, shelter from cold winter wind and humus-rich, limy or neutral, well-drained soil. It grows slowly, takes years to settle and resents being moved, so it is harder to keep than the Lenten rose; every part is poisonous.

Watch out for

It is slow and tricky to establish, needing several years to settle, and should not be disturbed or divided. It fails in acid, waterlogged or summer-dry soil, in full sun and in hot positions; in the warm, dry lowland gardens of Central Europe it lasts only in a cool, part-shaded spot that can be watered. Leaf spot (black spot) and crown rot occur occasionally, and aphids and slugs can turn up on shoots and leaves. Wild plants are protected in several Alpine countries: buy only nursery-propagated plants.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 30 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D December–April, white, pink

All details

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	30 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	23–38 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	December–April, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 22

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 22

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Evergreen plants Plants for containers

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