Not too much shade for these selections. Any of the ballardiae, ericsmithii or nigercors hybrids will flourish and bloom much heavier if in a fair amount of sun. Just some protection from the hot afternoon sun is suggested.

Somehow or another, the word got out - incorrectly - that hellebores are shade lovers. They are merely shade tolerant, which is quite different, and most are happy in at least half day sun. With very few exceptions, hellebores growing in their native environments are exposed to lots of sun, growing out in the open on rocky scrags, open meadows and the edges of woodlands.

Gardengal, that's so interesting about the shade tolerance as opposed to shade loving... I always assumed they were shade lovers because on my place all their numerous progeny pop up in shade -- and none in sun.... might it have to do with more intense heat and/ or maybe less rain? I was just wishing that these beautiful year-round plants could fill in the sunny spots, too :)

I'd assume that the seedlings are popping up very close to where the mother plants are located ....yes? If the mother plants are in shade, the seedlings will be as well. They don't travel very far :-)

And the sun tolerance does vary depending on species and hybrid. Helleborus x hybridus (or the incorrectly labeled "oriental hybrids"), arguably the most widely planted type of hellebore, does appreciate some midday shade at least or dappled/filtered all day shade, especially in hot climates. But these other hybrids I referred to above are remarkably happy in a lot of sun. And Corsican hellebore, Helleborus argutifolius, should be in sun - that is how it grows in its native environment and if sited in much shade will become leggy and floppy and fail to bloom well.