Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Helleborus
Hellebores are often the first bloom of the year, even before crocuses.
Hellebores can be grown in full sun. I was taught that they are plants for shade that need plenty of organic matter in the soil and do not respond well to transplanting. That said, it’s really best to not have them I blazing heat. Other than that, Helleborus x hybridus are extremely tough plants that are drought tolerant (when established), can thrive in heavy clay soils and tolerate division and transplanting. Not the same, however, can be said of species hellebores.
Most of the hellebores available in local nurseries and online sources are Helleborus x hybridus varieties. Although hellebores can tolerate a wide range of conditions, they do best in part sun and moist soil that is rich in organic matter. Neutral pH is preferred, but one point up or down is fine. Although hardy in zones 4a-8b, they perform best in zones 5a-8a.
When planting, bury the crown just slightly beneath the soil level, in a spot that does not get waterlogged. Once established, they do not need any attention. But if you want to see lots of lovely blooms, do an annual application of composted manure and remove the old leaves in winter, before the buds appear. It’s too easy to accidentally snip off the buds. The leaves are very tough and do not break down readily, so you may want to leave them out of your compost.
Hellebores are toxic, but rarely fatal. A person would have to consume a large quantity to be sickened. Due to the toxicity and texture of the leaves, that can be tough and prickly, hellebores are not a favorite snack of deer and other animals.