Plant facts

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HELLEBORUS

Christmas Roses, Snow Roses and Lenten Roses are some of the names used to denote Helleborus species. Common names such Lion's Foot or Oracle Rose indicate that the genus Helleborus has a long history in Europe.

The distribution of the Helleborus genus is limited to the northern hemisphere, including Europe and Asia. Helleborus species are most highly concentrated along the Mediterranean Sea, but also along the coastlines of the Black Sea. Helleborus flowers are a botanical exception. Unlike the blooms of most other flowering plants, hellebore flowers do not consist of the usual petals, but rather of sepals.

The charming blooms in the gloom of winter have fascinated people and inspired many a poet.

All parts of the plant are toxic and not suitable for consumption. Sensitive individuals should always wear gloves when handling the plant.