"Jim Lesurf" wrote in message
...
I've just received some hellebore plants from T&M.

They have black markings on some of the leaves. At some places at the
edges
of leaves they have a 'burnt looking' edge with a piece that is either
missing or white/shrivelled surrounded by black.

They were 3 days in the post.

I phoned T&M and they immediately offerred me a refund or credit note,
so I
have no quibbles with them. (They apologised as they had no more
hellebores
so could not replace.) They also said I did not have to return the
plants.

Am I correct in suspecting the cause is some sort of fungus or virus
or
similar? If so, are the plants rescuable? If so, how?

I have temporarily put them in their pots on the window sill. As a
holding
action I could repot them and sit them outside, well away from the
other
hellebore we have.

If possible I'd like to rescue and use them, but am concerned that
they
will die, and if planted near an existing well-established hellebore
will
infect that plant as well.

Advice on rescue, treatment, cause?...

Would it be safe to plant them near an existing hellebore?

Slainte,

Jim

The hellebore forum may be able to help you if you are not successful
here.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/hellebore/

Regards,
Emrys Davies.