sigh...another variety that usually melts in the hot, humid summers here. Sounds like your plan is right on track.

What variety of hellebore? I suppose this is too off topic a question though for an ornamental grass forum ;)

grass_guy.. they're H.x nigercors 'White Beauty.' I'm brand new to Hellebores, and I not only got these this week but also seeds for two different H.x hybridus varieties. Gonna have to read up on Hellebores, right quick!

Thanks Grass Guy!!
So nice to know there are things you 'high-number' zones lust after.
Melting is your problem as freezing is ours ~ how appropriate. :o)
There are benefits to both but Oh, .... the 'grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence' sigh .....

a.

I'm right on the gulf coast, so there are numerous grasses that just don't do well for me at all. Then again, there are some really great natives and coastal grasses that are just fantastic!

Those on my 'wish would do better here' list are:

Fescues
Helictotrichon
Hakone
Softer, variegated Carexes (no trouble with the copper/brown carex sedges)
Calamagrostis
Phalaris

Those that stand out in the area and excel:

Muhlys
Leymus
Pennisetum
Miscanthus
Eragrostis
Panicum

donn, I love Hellebores, but they also don't do well here. You'll enjoy growing them. Visit Barry Glick's website (link below). He is the Hellebore guru!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hellebores