There are no ugly hellebores, at least none that I’ve met. While several have been flowering since December, the peak season begins in February in this garden. Dozens are flowering today, with many more dozens soon to follow.
No doubt, flowers of older varieties are less remarkable than splendid, new introductions. Flowers of many oldtimers and their seedlings are typically nearly white or purple but not freckled or double. But, with a few exceptions. Still, I enjoy them all. Flowers that fill the void of midwinter must be appreciated.
The quantity of hellebores in the garden makes it difficult to recall all that were purchased instead of seedlings that were moved around as they reached flowering size. But, a few remarkable seedlings (above) were noted a year ago, flowering behind camellias where I would never have planted. These now have a more privileged position.
I will soon be headed out to seek more. I can’t help myself.
Ramblin' through Dave's Garden 
There are several ugly hellebores within one of the landscapes here. They do not perform well within this climate. They stay because we keep believing that they will eventually perform as they should.
I’ve had a few hellebores turn for the worse in soil that’s too damp, but when we have little winter foliage, I don’t complain.
I suspect that ours might perform better if I removed their deteriorating foliage before burying them with compost. I suspect that foliar pathogens overwinter in the old foliage. That is standard procedure for roses and fruit trees.
I do not remove foliage unless it is distressed, typically by abnormal cold that has been rare in recent years. While flowers of several hellebores nestle deep into the leaves, most flowers stand above, even if the flowers face downward. I’m sure that pathogens develop in overwinter leaves. I suspect mostly in persistently damp soil conditions.
Cooler winter weather there likely inhibits the proliferation of such diseases though. Even if distressed foliage lingers, it likely dies back more before new foliage emerges. Within our landscapes, the distressed foliage survives through the winter, even under the compost. Pathogens remain active within it as new foliage develops. Of course, the soil remains damp for quite a while also. Most of the surrounding climates are chaparral, so dampness is not often a consideration. However, this climate gets more rain, and the soil is shaded by redwoods.
I have a love-hate relationship with Hellebores. I love the fact that they bloom early, and the newer introductions that are doubles and variegated are simply beautiful. But I hate the fact that they are so low to the ground and always seem to face down. After all, what’s the point of a beautiful blossom if you can’t really see it to appreciate it? Hopefully, newer varieties will solve that problem.
I don’t complain about any winter flowers. Many of the new ones face outward rather than down, but I’m happy with all.
Plans to go to the Pine Knot Open House?
I planned for this weekend, but then reconsidered. I have far too many plants ordered. Maybe next year.
I live in Chancellorsville, and planted hellebores lste fall. They are not blooming yet? Help! Dolores
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Hellebores typically flower in their third year from seed, so a small plant might not be to flowering age. If buds are evident, but it has not begun flowering, there are hellebores that begin flowering weeks after others. While three-quarters of mine are in some stage of bloom, some are budded but not yet showing color.