The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) doesn't aim very high and remains a comparatively low perennial even when fully grown. Do their roots also spread just below the surface of the earth? Or does it have to flee into the depths to avoid frost? Facts and what they mean
What do the roots of Christmas roses look like?
The Christmas rose has ablack fleshy rhizomeFrom it there areroots, which are also colored black. The plant is consideredDeep-rootedIts rhizome contains a lot of poisonous helleborine, but is still used in medicine. Be sure to wear gloves when planting and caring for plants.
How deep do I have to plant the Christmas rose?
Dig the planting hole so deep that it can hold the entire root ball. In addition, you should loosen thesoil thoroughly, as the roots will grow even deeper over the years. New roots form primarily in late summer so that the winter buds can be well supplied. Then it is also necessary to fertilize them with a second portion of compost or cattle manure. A drainage layer can't hurt either, as Christmas roses cannot tolerate waterlogging and can develop stem rot.
Which pot does the Christmas rose need as a potted plant?
As a houseplant, as a potted plant for the balcony or as a grave plant in a bowl, the Christmas rose needs freedom of roots. It must therefore not be placed in a shallow bowl, but rather must be in a deep pot (at least.30 cm)got. In the garden, the deep root system ensures a pronounced winter hardiness. However, you must safely overwinter a Christmas rose in a pot.
How is the root of the Christmas rose used as a medicine?
The roots of the Christmas rose, also known as the snow rose because it also blooms in the snow, were used centuries ago to combat mental illness, epilepsy and heart failure. But since the entire Christmas rose, especially its roots, ishighly poisonous, these applications are no longer relevant today. In Germany there are onlyhomeopathic remedies with Christmas roses, which are said to help against these diseases, among other things:
- Dementia
- Delusions
- Confusion
- Psychoses
- and headaches
Due to the toxicity, we strongly advise against self-experimentation. Consult your doctor for any use.
What symptoms can the poisonous root cause?
The root contains not only helleborine, but also poisonous saponins and protoanemonins. Diarrhea, circulatory collapse and dizziness are possible symptoms. That's why the Christmas rose is not suitable for families. It's a little surprising that the root was dried and powdered in earlier times to serve as snuff. The sneezing sensation triggered and the black color of the root are the reason why the Christmas rose is also called black hellebore, botanically Helleborus niger.
Tip
Christmas roses are difficult to transplant
Like all deep-rooted plants, the Christmas rose link u=christrose-transplant]is reluctant to be transplanted[/link]. If you still want to give your specimen a new location, take the time to dig out the root system deeply and carefully so that it is not damaged.
