Helleborus 'Niger'

Helleborus niger, the Christmas rose, is an evergreen perennial that flowers in the middle of winter. Large, bowl-shaped white flowers with golden stamens open from December into early spring, often flushing pink as they age. They sit above clumps of dark green, leathery leaves that look good all year. The flowers are an early source of pollen for bees on mild winter days.

Very few plants flower in the garden at Christmas, and this one does it reliably year after year. The clean white flowers stand out in a shady border or a pot by the front door, and once settled it needs very little attention.