I am amazed that hellebores can thrive as they do in Maritime Climates and also on the windy, cold steppes of America. The Lenten roses are very predictable for us (usually starting in late February, and blooming almost to May), although the nurseries hereabouts don't really start promoting outdoor gardening until March at the earliest, so many gardeners are unaware of the fabulous color range and variety of Hellebores that are commonly found in milder areas.
Helleborus niger has been sold consistently long enough that many local gardeners grow it: it has always been one of my personal favorites, and I must have ten or more placed strategically all over my garden, hoping one of them will bloom especially well (we can have arctic blasts when they are at their height that does mar the flowers somewhat). This year the weather has conspired (with almost ten substantial snowfalls in late autumn and early winter) to keep the ground moist, and a wonderful thaw has brought every one of the H. niger on my property into the best bloom ever in January. Needless to say, I'm pleased as punch. I took the following picture this morning!
