Christmas Rose Helleborus niger
I came upon some much abused Christmas rose still trying to bloom on my woodland floor. These plants flower in winter in my Georgia garden, making them a welcomed friend.
Legend of the Christmas Rose
The Legend of the Christmas Rose is the tale of Madelon, a young girl seeking to worship the Christ Child. When she arrived she saw the gifts others had brought with them: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Madelon despaired that she had no gift to bring.
Being poor, Madelon thought to bring the Christ Child a flower. She searched the countryside for blossoms, but it was wintertime and there were no flowers to be found. Distraught, she started to weep. Above her an angel saw her misery and stopped to give the young girl comfort. The angel smote the ground where Madelon’s tears had fallen. From the spot, a beautiful bush grew up which bloomed of tiny roses.
“Nor myrrh, nor frankincense, nor gold,” said the angel, “is offering more meet for the Christ Child than these pure Christmas Roses.” With this, Madelon went to worship the Prince of Peace, bringing with her a gift of her heart and tears.
Native Perennials and Annuals in My Garden
Partridgeberry Mitchella repens L. Hardy Native Groundcover
Precious blooms indeed! They are a stunning contrast to the woodland floor, spring life reaching through. Beautiful!
wow…how beautiful. I am ordering some new lenten roses this spring. Helleborus are such beautiful plants.