As the flowers of H. niger in particular, need some form of
protection at this time of the year, I would not remove any
healthy leaves as they are providing the flowers with cover.
As they mature, the flowers will grow through the leaves,
at least mine always do.
I wait until at least May or June before removing
any dead hellebore leaves, and then only when they have
turned brown and brittle.

M.R.

"les" asked in a message:
snip
Should I remove this healthy growth or should I just leave it and the
flower stems will grow above it?

Les