Click for previous Image Image 1 of 4 Helleborus niger Christmas Rose

Helleborus niger 'Fossil Feather'

Christmas Rose

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Helleborus 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!

Height:

8-12 in

Colors:

White

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.