Christmas Roses

[basketcase]

Hi!

I know it's a bit early and unseasonal, but I'd like to grow some as Christmas presents. Since I'm not sure when they should be planted, how long they take to grow etc, I thought I'd better start early!

All advice welcome...

[Nippy]

I can't be sure but I think Christmas roses (Helabores) don't flower at least until the following year after planting.
These can be very irritant to some folk so be careful who you give them to!

[Two_Sheds]

Did you mean hellebores, or did you mean actual roses?

[basketcase]

Did you mean hellebores, or did you mean actual roses?

Hellebores.

[basketcase]

I can't be sure but I think Christmas roses (Helabores) don't flower at least until the following year after planting.
These can be very irritant to some folk so be careful who you give them to!

Which just goes to show that no matter HOW unseasonal and early you are, you can never be unseasonal and early enough!

[Two_Sheds]

It's Helleborus Niger that you want then (I have some, they didn't flower until after Xmas, but are welcome all the same BBC - Northern Ireland - Gardeners Corner - Offshoots - Gardening Gifts Online

[Alice]

Hellebores from seed don't usually flower until they are in their second year so you could be looking at Christmas 2010. But a worthwhile long term project.

[basketcase]

It's Helleborus Niger that you want then (I have some, they didn't flower until after Xmas, but are welcome all the same BBC - Northern Ireland - Gardeners Corner - Offshoots - Gardening Gifts Online

Thanks for getting back - and the link. Hope I didn't sound too abrupt yesterday; I don't usually give one word answers!

Might have a try at the Easter Roses. Have you ever grown those?

[basketcase]

Hellebores from seed don't usually flower until they are in their second year so you could be looking at Christmas 2010. But a worthwhile long term project.

Seeds? Just goes to show what a dummy I am - I thought they grew from bulbs/corms. Oh dear...

Think I'll Google to see if anywhere sells plugs. I can hope! Mind you, I'll buy some seeds too, for the challenge.

[Alice]

Hellebore seed needs to be fresh Basketcase or it won't germinate.
Here's a link to a couple of nurseries that sell fresh seed.
Hellebore seed suppliers

[Two_Sheds]

Seeds £2.50 on eBay. The Seller has 100% positive feedback. Helleborus niger 'Christmas Rose' Hellebore 20 Seeds on eBay

[basketcase]

Thanks for the links, Alice and 2sheds! Would you believe I've never, ever been on Ebay?!

Have seen a few places selling plugs for this Christmas, but really fancy growing from seed...

[FionaH]

They are lovely to have. Only bit of colour in the garden in the depths of winter

[coreopsis]

They sell them in the garden centres as well.

There must be something about "do you like them or not".Couple of years ago I got one from MIL.I didn't like it.Nice looking plant,foliage and flowers but...I just didn't like it.

[Sweepster]

They sell them in the garden centres as well.

There must be something about "do you like them or not".Couple of years ago I got one from MIL.I didn't like it.Nice looking plant,foliage and flowers but...I just didn't like it.

Context is everything

I have some hellebores (orientalis) with a fern, some foxgloves and now a bear's breeches in a shady spot... the only thing I don't like about them is having to lie on the ground to look at the flowers properly