I had some hellebores for a couple of years but they didn't survive. They're sure pretty, though. I should plant some in my southwest facing bed and see if they'd do well there.

Do you remember what species of hellebore it was, Marcia? I was considering getting one after seeing a bunch blooming in London in the late winter, and the site that I was looking to buy them from rated Helleborus niger, Christmas rose, as the hardiest, to zone 3. I think it's supposed to be hardier than the other species, so I would be curious if anyone's had any luck with that one specifically. I decided not to get one this year, I'm trying to stick to rock-hardy (or dirt-cheap) stuff for now, but I still might want one later.

I'm pretty sure they were niger. Apparently they didn't like zone 3 after all. I can't remember for sure where they came from, though - possibly Veseys or Dominion Seed House.

My 2 brunerra (same variety) are planted about 6 ft. Apart. One has been up for 2 weeks, and the other one just came up today. Not time to worry yet!