I wouldn't call myself a collector because I know nothing about the various species. But I love them and have all different colors all over my woods--purple and white and a greenish white.If I get by Hastings I will look for your little fella and learn its name. Come to think, mine are not blooming yet and seems as though they always do by now. What could be up?

You can sure see it's sternii parentage in the leaves.
I assume this one would prefer drier soil and slightly more sun?

GGG

I'm with Isabeaux here....I have all the different colors...white, green, purple, etc...What do ya'll mean by the "sternii parentage"? Is there some variegation in the leaves in this one?

Mine aren't blooming yet either, but they are starting to send up buds. It won't be too much longer now and it's so exciting!

Mine were late last year, also. Could be that the record summer rainfall is somehow involved in the tardy blooms.
A few species have bloom buds that have begun to open, the Christmas Roses, H. niger, Bearclaw or Stinking(Not) Helleborus foetidus and one of the interspecific hybrids, H. x ericsmithii. The more common Lenten Rose, H. x hybridus will bloom later on, as will the other species. Did not see any emerging flower buds on the few I have inspected recently. Thankfully, we have Camellias in flower to brighten up the landscape while waiting on these recalcitrant perennials. Hopefully, our patience will be rewarded with an outstanding show of flowers!
Rb

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

A thanks to gingerman for the tip. I found 2 of those little pots of Ivory Prince to be the perfect thing to spend my Hastings savings stamps on. One of them is definitely going to flower and I can see the promised pink tinge to the edge. They look like tough little plants. I hope they last longer than the h. foetidus and h. argutifolius which succumbed, i think, to the wet summer of 2005 after doing well for 3 or 4 years.

Are there any more left?

I got mine about a week ago. There were 5 or so more there then. Hastings have moved all their perennials to the side, i.e. lined up along the fence facing the parking lot. They must be getting ready to put out all the new stuff for the spring soon.

I also purchased a few of 'Ivory Prince' and selected ones thay had flower buds showing. Looking forward to seeing some blooms in a few weeks!
To those that purchased some of these, treat them as H. niger, which appears to have contributed a majority of the genes, and add a few tablespoons of dolomitic lime around them as a top dressing, when planting in a rich, well drained soil. Some sun exposure is recommended, but isn't absolutely necessary.
Some Helleborus are in bloom already. H. torquatus was the first, followed by H. niger(Christmas Rose) and one of the H x hybridus 'Royal Heritage Strain'. The double flowering H. torquatus 'Party Dress Strain' and the H. niger 'Potter's Wheel' and 'Blackthorn Strain' are slow starters this year. So are all of my winter blooming Cyclamen species. On the other hand, some Hydrangeas are showing leaves already and leaf buds are appearing on some Japanese Maples. Guess they are in for a rude awakening, once Winter arrives. Whenever!
Good gardening!