READER’S QUESTION

Q: Why won’t my Christmas rose flower at Christmas?

Mrs. L. Benson. DESPITE its traditional name,

Helleborus niger flowers from late winter to early spring. So Christmas comes too soon for it. However, the Spring Promise series flowers early, and among them, the variety Bridget is said to flower from autumn to spring. Lack of Christmas flowers may be disappointing. But H. niger looks wonderful in February or March, when the white glows so beautifully on dull days.