Hellebore 
Flora Frost Helleborus niger St. Lucia
| Flower type | Single |
| Leaf margin | Serrate |
| Winter hardness | Reasonable (USDA-zone 7) |
| Flower color | White-white-NN155D |
| Flower diameter | 6,5 - 7 cm |
| Plant height | 20 - 30 cm; 30 - 40 cm |
| Flowering month(s) | January; February; October; November; December |
| Leaf size | 4 - 5 cm |
| soil pH requirement | Alkaline (pH > 7,5); Neutral (pH 6,5 - 7,5); Slightly acidic (pH 4,5 - 6,5) |
| Light conditions | Semi-shades |
| Leaf division | Diversely compound |
| Leaf, main color | Dark green |
| Leaf colour, pattern | Unicolored |
| Flower color distribution | Unicolored |
| Moisture requirements | Well-drained; Moist |
| Soil type | Humus rich |
The Helleborus niger St. Lucia, also known as the Christmas Rose, is a beautiful flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. This plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to parts of Europe, particularly the Alps and the Balkans.
One of the standout features of the Helleborus niger St. Lucia is its single flower type. The flowers bloom with a crisp white color, creating a stunning contrast against the dark green foliage. These flowers have a diameter of 6.5 - 7 cm, making them quite sizable and eye-catching.
The Helleborus niger St. Lucia is known for its serrate leaf margin, which adds texture and interest to the overall appearance of the plant. The leaves are diversely compound and have a dark green main color. The leaf size is relatively small, measuring 4-5 cm in length.
In terms of its growth habits, the Helleborus niger St. Lucia typically reaches a height of 20-30 cm, although some specimens can grow up to 40 cm. This makes it a perfect choice for front borders or as a ground cover in semi-shady areas. It thrives in semi-shady light conditions, making it an ideal plant for gardens with partial or dappled sunlight.
The Helleborus niger St. Lucia is known to bloom during the winter months, specifically in January, February, October, November, and December. This makes it a unique addition to any garden, as it provides a burst of color and beauty during the colder seasons when many other plants are dormant.
In terms of soil preferences, the Helleborus niger St. Lucia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in humus. It can tolerate varying pH levels, including alkaline (pH > 7.5), neutral (pH 6.5 - 7.5), and slightly acidic (pH 4.5 - 6.5). This is good news for gardeners who may have different soil compositions in their gardens.
Moisture requirements for this plant are also important to note. The Helleborus niger St. Lucia prefers well-drained soil but also requires a certain level of moisture to thrive. It is essential to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist without causing waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Overall, the Helleborus niger St. Lucia, or Christmas Rose, is a stunning plant that brings beauty and elegance to any garden. Its white flowers, serrate leaves, and compact size make it a popular choice among gardeners. With its ability to bloom during the winter months, it is a welcome addition to landscapes that desire color and life during colder seasons. So, consider adding the Helleborus niger St. Lucia to your garden for a touch of beauty and charm all year round.
Market availability index by month:
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 |