Key features
Final size40cm x 40cm
FoliageGreen leaves year-round (evergreen)
FlowersLarge white petals with yellow stamens in winter/spring
PositionPart shade
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Helleborus ‘Christmas Carol’ is a charming perennial that adds a touch of elegance to the winter garden. Its glossy, dark-green leaves provide a lush contrasts to the large, showy flowers, which are pure white with bright yellow stamens which bloom from late winter to early spring. It is ideal for patio pot or adding some delicate winter colour to a garden border.
Christmas Carol will thrive in partial shade in moist but well-drained chalk, loam and clay soils. It prefers a sheltered position and will grow to a maximum height and spread of 0.5 meters.
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
