The Story of the Christmas Rose

The Story of the Christmas Rose is a beautiful tale of a small shepherd girl named Madelon.  The story goes…

As Madelon tended to her sheep one cold winter's night, wise men and shepherds passed by Madelon's snow-covered field, they were bearing gifts for the Newborn Christ Child. Following them, Madelon saw the Magi present their gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense to the new baby and watched as shepherds presented fruits, honey and doves to the child.  Madelon cried, as she had nothing to give the child. An angel watching Madelon was touched by her tears.   The angel appeared and caused the snow at the feet of  Madelon to melt.  There below the snow was a most beautiful white flower.  The petals were tipped with pink that had been made from the tears which had fallen from the eyes of the little shepherd girl. Overjoyed, Madelon presented her gift at the manger of the Christ Child - the Christmas Rose.

The Christmas Rose is also known as the Snow Rose or Winter Rose. Christmas Rose are evergreen perennials that grow 12 to 15 inches tall. They have shiny, dark green leathery leaves. Each flower stalk bears a single 2 to 4 inch white bloom which are often tinged with pink.