Before March rolls around, finding a pop of color in the garden is pretty rare. That’s exactly why so many gardeners love Lenten Roses and Christmas Roses—they start showing off while there’s often still snow on the ground! But if you’ve ever wondered what actually sets these two apart, you’re not alone.
The Christmas Rose is the early bird
One of the biggest differences is the bloom time. You can actually find the clue right in their names! The Christmas Rose gets its name because it starts blooming around the holidays (perfect for a little natural Christmas decor). On the other hand, the Lenten Rose is named for the Lenten season, signaling that spring is just around the corner. Basically, the Christmas Rose kicks things off in early winter, while the Lenten Rose waits until the tail end of the season to make its debut.
Lenten Roses bring more color to the party
When it comes to variety, the Lenten Rose definitely wins the fashion show. Christmas Roses are classic and elegant, but they only come in pure white. Lenten Roses, however, come in a whole palette of colors depending on the variety. You can find them in:
- White
- Red
- Pink
- Yellow
Plus, you’ll often see Lenten Roses with gorgeous multicolored petals, like white blooms featuring delicate little spots or speckles.
They have different tastes in soil
When it comes to light, both plants are pretty much on the same page—they both love a spot with partial shade. However, they’re a bit pickier when it comes to what’s under their “feet.” Christmas Roses prefer soil that is loamy and rich in lime (alkaline). Lenten Roses are the opposite; they prefer their soil to be low in lime.
More alike than different
At the end of the day, these two are more like cousins than strangers. Their flower shapes are very similar, and they both share that awesome “early bloomer” DNA. They’re also both incredibly low-maintenance. Whether you’re pruning or fertilizing, neither plant requires much work to stay happy. They’re the perfect “set it and forget it” plants for a beautiful winter garden!