Snow roses bloom in the cold season. The colors of the flower range from white to pink to deep dark purple, depending on the variety. In order for the Christmas rose to bloom so beautifully, however, it needs an appropriate location and fertilizer that promotes its willingness to bloom. Home remedies are also suitable for this. It is important to always proceed with care when fertilizing.
Principles of fertilization
Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) are so low in nutrients that less is more in general. If, for example, they grow under trees, larger bushes or between deciduous shrubs, it is completely sufficient if the leaves are not removed in winter. It provides enough nutrients to the black hellebore as it rots. If the flowers grow in a perennial bed, they also do not need extra fertilization if the bed is supplied with fertilizer in the spring anyway.
Promote flowering
The right fertilizer should not only support the growth of the perennials. If you use the wrong fertilizer, leaves will grow, but the flowers will stay out. Christmas roses need a lot of lime to bloom. It is therefore important to pay attention to the lime content of the soil and the fertilizer. In the long run, the plant does not feel in acidic substrate
well.Eggshells
In most households these natural fertilizers occur in more or less large numbers. The shells are mainly rich in lime, but they also contain other minerals. There is no need to distinguish between raw and boiled eggs. The pods can be crushed and placed on top of the compost, or they can be finely ground and worked into the soil near the Christmas roses. Ground eggshells can also be mixed into the substrate for potted plants.
Rock flour
It works in a similar way to eggshells and provides the plants with other minerals in addition to the lime they need. Rock flour can also be mixed with compost or plant manure.
Note: Eggshells and rock meal are not suitable as sole fertilizers; there would be a nutrient deficiency, as they have too one-sided effect.
Horn shavings
Or horn meal are fast-acting organic fertilizers that can be easily mixed into the soil and are therefore also able to provide potted plants with nutrients. A small amount is fine for Christmas roses
Coffee grounds
Although this fertilizer is very rich, it is only partially suitable for Christmas roses. Coffee residues strongly acidify the soil. It is therefore necessary that a fertilizer rich in lime is also given. If the soil is already acidic, it is better to use other fertilizers. Or the coffee grounds are composted and mixed with other plant residues. Then the acidifying effect is no longer so strong.
Potato water
Only boiling water with little or no salt is suitable for fertilization. Before it is used, it has to cool down and can then simply be used to water the Christmas roses. In addition to nutrients, potato water also contains important trace elements.
compost
Most kitchen waste is suitable as a source of nutrients if it has taken the detour via the compost heap. There they are transformed into loose, nutritious soil that is good for many plants. Black hellebore benefits from the planting of compost soil. In addition, potted plants can be put back into compost when repotting, so there is no need for additional fertilization. Compost soil is worked in around the plants twice a year in beds.
chalk
Chalk is not suitable as the sole fertilizer for liming the plants, but it is well suited. Chalk can be ground and mixed under the ground or a piece of blackboard chalk can be stuck into the ground near the plants.
Tip: Only white chalk is suitable, without any other additives.
Damn
Cow, horse or other animal manure should only be used sparingly when fertilizing Christmas roses. Crap is always a lot
Mulch
Continuous mulching of the beds is good for an even supply of nutrients. Further fertilization is then usually superfluous, at best adding lime every now and then can be useful. Mulch also protects against dehydration and suppresses weeds. Suitable plant materials:
- Foliage (except oak or walnut)
- Lawn clippings (do not apply too thick)
- dried weeds
- Plant cuttings
Note: Do not use bark mulch, as this acidifies the soil.
Herbal manure
Manure from different plants is easy to make yourself. The required amount of plant matter is mixed with water in a bucket and then left to stand until fermentation has stopped. This can be recognized by the fact that no more bubbles rise. Liquid manure is always used diluted with water and the plants can then simply be watered with it.
Plants from which liquid manure can be made for fertilization
- Nettle
- Giersch
- dandelion
- Mixture of different herbs
Note: Plant manure not only fertilizes, it also strengthens plants against pests and diseases.
Tea grounds
Not only coffee grounds, but also tea grounds can be used for fertilization. This doesn't just apply to loose tea. However, tea bags first have to be composted if you do not want to cut them open, then sprinkle the loose tea around the plants and work it into the soil. If tea is used, a little lime should also be added.