Hi Bruce, I just checked that hellebore today and it's just starting to bloom. I'll get more photos soon. We've had a colder winter this year so blooms are a bit later. Have you found your plants yet? or are they still buried in snow? Hopefully it won't be too long now. Maryvonne

Here's another color blossom from the seeds I was given by a generous forum member. I have a total of 4 plants, all doing well. Thanks to my benefactor, you know who you are! Mary Image link:

Select a location in partial shade with good drainage. Morning sun is preferred, but a location under a deciduous tree with bright light is OK. Contrary to popular belief, Helleborus are not shade plants, just shade tolerant. They resent root disturbance and will wilt severly if care is not exercised during transplanting. Prepare the planting area, with ammendments, if necessary and gently remove the pot and place it in the hole, tamp the soil around the root ball to remove air pockets, then water it in. I usually add 2-3 Tbsp. of Dolomitic lime as a top dressing around the plant, before watering, as my soil is clay and therefore, acidic. Add a layer of mulch 2-3 in. thick around the plant, leaving an air gap of one to two inches around the stems to prevent possible disease and insect infestation. Wait until blooms fade, then add a slow release fertilizer per package directions. I often use Osmocote, 9-month, w/Minors, but have also used other brands, with a 15-15-15 ratio. Once established, Helleborus are drought tolerant and can survive long periods without irrigation. They do not tolerate wet feet and will not bloom well, if at all, under low growing, evergreen shade. Grab your shovel and head for the garden! and find that perfect place where they can be observed and enjoyed. I grow 100's of them, encompassing about 14 species and dozens of named cultivars. They really brighten a Winter landscape, when little else is blooming. Hope this helps and enjoy your wise purchase! Rb

No hellebore likes wet feet - good drainage is a requirement for any type. And they should be considered as quite drought tolerant as well - an exceptionally wet season may not at all be to their liking. Aside from that, the xballardiae hybrids are no pickier or harder to grow than any other type of hellebore and that includes 'Pink Frost', 'Cinnamon Snow', 'Merlin', 'Maestro', 'Mahogany Snow', etc. etc. In fact, I find these types of hybrids among the easiest of any hellebores and some of the most sun tolerant - pretty much plant and forget!!