GGG & wildflower For some reason your posts weren't visible when I loaded this thread. Guess all of the bugs aren't cleared yet! Helleborus' are marketed as shade perennials and in fact do very well in that environment, but in their native habitats, almost all are found in sunny locations. They do well for me in full(high) shade under deciduous & coniferous trees, as well as in morning, noonday or afternoon sun. They will not bloom well under low growimg evergreen shrubs and trees, such as the Southern Magnolia and Camellias. The one's with variegation in the leaves will require more sunlight, as do all variegated plants, to maintain a more vibrant foliage color. The silver/white mottling found in the leaves of the hybrid species(x sternii, x ericsmithii, x ballardiae and their subsequent cultivars) is derived from one of the parents, H. lividus, a semi-hardy(for us) species from the Mediterranian Region of Southern Europe, principally Spain. Moisture requirements for Helleborus are meager, once established, and they do not survive very long in damp or constantly moist soils, Even in full sun, an established plant will survive for long periods without moisture. It may wilt during sunny days(conserving moisture), but springs back during cloudy days and at night. A truly low maintenance plant that is also avoided by animals and pests(Deer,voles and flying and crawling insects) because of the presence of poisonous alkaloids in all parts of the plant. There is, however, documantion that discusses it's uses as a remedy for some human ailments and also, as a poison to eliminate one's ememies or political opponents! I can't have vegetables with a high concentration of Vitamin K, so I'm fairly safe? Rb

Interesting that you should bring up Burpeewood (that's my name for it, too!!) - Heronswood, under the guidance of Dan Hinkley, had an intensive hellebore breeding program that only recently has come to fruition (since Burpees moved into the picture). BPW is now promoting their clonal forms (TC'd) of 4 different hellebores, 3 x hybridus and a nigercors. Another local vendor has the TC license (since it has the TC labs) and my nursery (and a couple others) helped to promote them here last month at the NW Flower & Garden show. 2 of the hybridus are very appealing: a raspberry red double ('Kingston Cardinal') and a single butter yellow with heavy maroon spotting ('Goldfinch'). I'd expect you'll see them at the Philadelphia show. This same vendor also carries a full line of unnamed, uncloned Heronswood x hybridus and my sales rep recently gifted me with a gorgeous butter yellow double. I am planning on doing a small grouping of the three of these - the raspberry double, the yellow double and the single that combines both colors! I am just a lover and grower of hellebores myself - no breeding going on here unless nature takes charge of it:-)

The variegated one is possibly 'Pacific coast'. I'm just back from skiing in the Pyrenees, and saw hundreds of H. foetidus in the wild, many growing in rock and scree that you wouldn't believe would support anything, lots with the purplish collar round the flower. Growing at the snowline and below down into the villages along the roadsides. Brilliant. Cheers Greenmanplants

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