Christmas roses and Lenten roses look so similar that many hobby gardeners believe they are the same plant. However, that is not true. Although both perennials belong to the hellebores (Helleborus), they are different species. What is the difference between Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) and Christmas rose (Helleborus niger)?
What is the difference between Lenten rose and Christmas rose?
The main difference between Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) and Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is the flowering time, flower color and size as well as the preferred location. While Christmas roses have white flowers in winter, Lenten roses bloom with more diverse colors in spring.
What is the difference between Lenten rose and Christmas rose?
- Flowering time
- Flower color
- flower size
- preferred location
Lengen roses bloom later than Christmas roses
Just from the names of the two species you can tell that they have their main flowering period at different times. Both bloom during the cold season, but the Christmas rose opens its flowers at Christmas.
The Lenten rose makes its big appearance in spring. The flowering period begins in February and March and lasts a few weeks.
Christmas roses are only available in white
The Christmas rose only comes in one flower color, white. The flowers are smaller than those of the Lentenrose.
Lenzen roses are available in many colors - the range extends from white to yellow and pink to red and violet. The flowers are often speckled on the inside.
Differences in choosing a location
Although both species belong to the hellebores, they have very different requirements for their location.
The Christmas rose likes partial shade. The soil substrate should be clayey. Christmas roses also prefer calcareous soil.
The Lentenrose, on the other hand, does not tolerate calcareous locations well. It likes to be bright and can also tolerate partial shade or full sun. A good place is under trees and bushes that do not yet have leaves during the flowering period in spring.
Christmas roses and Lenten roses – easy to care for and robust
In our part of the world, Christmas roses and Lenten roses are almost the only flowers that bloom even in the snow.
They are very easy to care for and do not need to be fertilized or watered in summer.
Both species are also suitable as cut flowers. The flowers are cut before they have fully bloomed. The vase should be placed in a cool place.
Tip
In addition to their very similar appearance, Christmas roses and Lenten roses have other things in common. Both species are planted in autumn. Propagation occurs by dividing the perennials in spring.
