The Christmas Rose, also referred to as the Snow or Winter Rose is a winter blooming rose and is a European evergreen, more formally known as Hellebores Niger.
It is traditionally held as the true Christmas flower due to its association with the Nativity.
The origins of the rose are believed to be linked to the birth of Jesus, when a young girl, called Madelon, wanted to bring a gift to the newborn. Madelon was found crying by an angel as she was too poor to bring something of value and as it was winter there was no flowers in bloom.
White roses began to grow in the ground where she sat which was wet from her tears. She brought a white rose to the newborn Jesus as a gift of purity.
Festive Flowers – Christmas Rose