Lenten rose vs Christmas rose
Two hellebores. The Christmas rose is the purest white and flowers earliest, but it is fussier, wanting alkaline soil and good drainage. The Lenten rose is a hybrid that flowers a little later, in white, pink, plum and near-black, and is about the easiest evergreen perennial for shade there is. Both are poisonous, which is why deer leave them alone.
 Lenten roseHelleborus x hybridus |  Christmas roseHelleborus niger | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18 in tall, 18 in wide | 12 in tall, 16 in wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 12 in apart |
| Zones | 4 to 9 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Part shade to shade | Part shade to shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, rich fertility | Well-drained, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Late March to early May; white, pink, purple | Late February to early April; white |
| Leaves | Bold, evergreen | Medium, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Drift | Drift |
| Pets | Toxic (moderate) | Toxic (moderate) |
| Deer | No record | Resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose Lenten rose for warmer gardens (to zone 9) and more height (18 in against 12 in).
- Choose Christmas rose for colder gardens (to zone 3), dry summers and a smaller space (12 in against 18 in).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they are recorded as partners. Beside Lenten rose, Christmas rose is in flower together for three weeks, from late March; medium leaves against its bold ones. They share part shade and shade and zones 4 to 8.
Read more: all about Lenten rose, and all about Christmas rose, each with a bed the planner designed around it.