Product Description
Helleborus niger 'Snowbells'(30)ct Flat
Common Name: Christmas Rose
Rarely are Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) started from seed and offered commercially wholesale. Walters Gardens hybridizing is pleased to offer such a strain in 'Snowbells' as an economical plug option to this favorite spring perennial. Semi-double, pure white flowers measure 2½-3" across, with five petals and additional petaloids at the center. Unlike H. hybridus types, these flowers are naturally side-facing versus downward-facing, so you can enjoy the bright white flowers with little effort. Because this is a H. niger, the bloom season will be much earlier than varieties like 'Wedding Bells' of the WEDDING PARTY™ series, blooming up to a month earlier, depending on your hardiness zone. Use in winter and holiday combination containers with evergreens or enjoy it in the landscape.
Hellebores are the harbingers of spring, blooming for six weeks or more beginning in late winter. They are often flowering during the Christian season of Lent, from which they get their common name, Lenten Rose. This is the perfect plant for naturalizing in moist, woodland areas where its extensive root system will spread as far as it is allowed.
Hellebores are enjoyable to grow because they are low-maintenance and disease/pest-free. Simply trim back last year's foliage in the spring. They can adapt to almost any growing conditions. Though they prefer rich, moist, organic soil, they will also grow in sandy or clay soil. They can even tolerate short periods of drought. The soil pH can range anywhere from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Hellebores are shade plants that need to be protected from the hot afternoon sun. They will grow in full shade under large deciduous trees as long as they receive full sun from winter to spring before the trees get their leaves.
To increase the number of hellebores in your garden, mulch them heavily in the fall. The new seedlings will grow in this mulch come spring and can then be transplanted elsewhere in the garden.
WARNING: Hellebores are poisonous. Do not consume any part of the plant!
Height: 10.0-12.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-14.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade to Full Shade
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early to Mid Spring
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Helleborus niger 'Snowbells' is a delightful Christmas rose that brightens up the winter garden with its pristine white, semi-double flowers. It is a favorite among gardeners for its early bloom time, outward-facing flowers, and attractive evergreen foliage. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Snowbells' produces large, 2.5 to 3-inch wide, semi-double flowers that are a pristine white with golden-yellow stamens. Unlike most hellebores, the flowers face outward, making them more visible and adding to their charm.
- Foliage: The plant has leathery, blue-green, evergreen foliage that forms a neat and attractive mound. The leaves provide year-round interest in the shade garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, but it is best to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun.
- Soil: Thrives in humus-rich, moist, alkaline, well-drained soils. It is important to avoid soils that are prone to drying out or staying wet.
- Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Characteristics:
- Mature Size: Reaches a height of 10-12 inches with a spread of 12-14 inches, forming a bushy, upright clump.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms very early, typically in late winter to early spring, often while snow is still on the ground. The flowers are long-lasting and can persist for several weeks.
Why it is Popular:
- Early Bloom Time: 'Snowbells' is one of the earliest hellebores to bloom, providing a welcome splash of color in the winter garden.
- Outward-Facing Flowers: The outward-facing flowers make the blooms more visible and add to the plant's charm.
- Attractive Foliage: The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in the shade garden.
- Deer Resistant: Hellebores are generally deer resistant, making them a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
- Low Maintenance: Hellebores are generally low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Ideal for adding color and interest to shade gardens, woodland gardens, and areas under trees or large shrubs.
- Borders: Adds a unique touch to borders, especially when combined with other shade-loving plants.
- Containers: Suitable for container gardening, where its beauty can be enjoyed on patios or balconies.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers can be used in fresh arrangements.
- Groundcover: Can be used as a groundcover in shady areas when massed.
Additional Information:
- Helleborus niger is commonly called the Christmas Rose because it is one of the few plants that bloom in winter.
- 'Snowbells' is a very early bloomer, with blooms appearing in late winter and lasting until early spring.
- It is important to note that all parts of Hellebore plants are toxic if ingested, so it is best to wear gloves when handling them and keep them away from children and pets.
Overall, Helleborus niger 'Snowbells' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a unique and charming winter-blooming perennial with pristine white flowers and attractive evergreen foliage. Its adaptability, low maintenance, and deer resistance make it a valuable addition to any shade garden, bringing joy and beauty throughout the late winter and early spring months.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
