CWilde wrote:



Like 3 years ago I ordered bare root stock from some catalog. Received three
roots, planted them in one of my shadiest spots. Only one made it (hopefully
it will still be there when spring finally starts showing up). I haven't
seen started plants anywhere around here, so I was thinking they must not
be well adapted to my area. Did you start with plants, roots, or seeds? What
climate zone are you in?

I would think bare root stock of hellebores would be the least desirable method
of planting. They tend to be a bit fussy about transplanting and I have a hard
time imagining just when they would be dormant enough to attempt to accomplish
this successfully. Either starting seed (relatively easy if fresh) or
containerized plants would be preferable.

You may be just at that zonal point that is challenging for these plants. Most
species are hardy to zone 6, some to zone 5, but 4 is pushing it. And they don't
like heavy shade - part shade at best, many would prefer quite a lot of sun.

pam - gardengal