View All Plants :: View All SHADE PERENNIALS
Helleborus niger 'Fossil Feather'
Christmas Rose
Plant Type:
SHADE PERENNIALSHelleborus niger ‘Fossil Feather’ – This, our own selection of Christmas Rose, sports typical dark green leathery leaves with 7 to 9 lobes per leaf. What is truly atypical is that each central vein is minty silvery white-green; all alternating secondary veins from the center to the edges of the leaves also demonstrate this fine mint silvery white-green coloration. The suggested result is the structural outline of a stylized feather that lights up against the dark background in each lobe. The unusual variegation remains all season long. Large bowl-shaped pure white early spring flowers with a central yellow boss over the foil of feathered foliage occur in late winter to early spring. The flowers usually become infused with rose pink as they age. Helleborus niger ‘Fossil Feather’ blooms late winter to early spring emerging sooner than later in milder winters. 'Fossil Feather' is a clumping perennial. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.
More About Helleborus niger 'Fossil Feather'
- EXCLUSIVE!
Characteristics and Attributes for Helleborus niger 'Fossil Feather'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Winter / Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Spring / Summer / Autumn
Nature Attraction
- Deer Resistant
- Honey Bees & Native Bees
Light
- Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
- Shade
- Dappled Shade
Attributes
- Border
- Rock Garden
- Accent
- Specimen
- Woodland
- Natural Garden
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Slow
Soil
- Fertile
- Humus Laden
- Organic
- Moist
- Woodland
Origins
- Quackin' Grass Nursery
Propagated By
- Division
Genus Overview: Helleborus
Hellebores are indispensible in the woodland garden. They are among the earliest, herbaceous plants with the largest, showiest flowers to brave late winter/early spring cold temperatures and shine, shine, shine! Flowers often age to chartreuse (certainly in H. x hybridus) extending the bloom effect. The foliage for most of the following perennials lasts for nearly 3 seasons – from spring until the following winter solstice in northeastern Connecticut. It is said that lime in the planting hole is helpful. We have never done so and they perform wonderfully for us. Open shade, dappled conditions, morning sun/afternoon shade is best. Plant them in any good woodland soil with organic matter. All of the following are offered as pot grown by good old-fashioned perennial division. In the north spring planting is strongly recommended.