Christmas roses

The buds of Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) are forming now. Vita Sackville-West had a good tip for elongating the stems: enclose plants in a glass cloche, packed all around with straw. The stems lengthen as they search for light and the flowers emerge pristine and perfect for picking. Display in the house over Christmas and until spring. Sear stem ends in boiling water for 20 seconds to make them last. Read more: Gardening-calendar