All of these hybridus ones have been just as hardy for me, and don't need any special treatment.

It IS a hellebore and more precisely, Helleborus x hybridus or what is more commonly (and incorrectly) referred to as an oriental hybrid. So not a species but a hybrid of very complex parentage. These tend to be the most commonly sold and planted types and come in the largest range of flower colors. The vast majority are seed strains that will reproduce based on certain attributes or select flower colors but there are named forms that are propagated by tissue culture as well. These are very versatile and hardy plants and require minimal care once established. The attached link to an excellent website created by a GW member will give you some valuable tips on expanding your collection with seeds. Here is a link that might be useful: propagating hellebores

Why do growers stress shade for hellebores? Because they are less familiar with the natural growing conditions of hellebores than they'd like to think? Or that hellebores are shade lovers is a myth that is just very difficult to move away from :-) This is a topic that has irked me for ages. Nearly every site you encounter - with the noted exception of our own Joseph Woodard's excellent hellebores.org - will stress the need for siting hellebores in shade, why I am not entirely sure. Hellebores in their natural setting are not focused on shade - most can be found in very open settings along forest verges or in rocky meadows. At most they may receive only a small bit of shade -- in their natural setting, Corsican hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius) grow in full sun in rocky crags and hillsides in Sardinia and Corsica! In most parts of this country, hellebores can grow and perform beautifully in more sun than shade. I'd limit shade placement to those areas that experience hot summers and even then provide as much early day sun as possible. It's been my experience that hellbores thrive in sun with only modest shelter from the hottest part of the day or form the most intense sun. They produce erect, upright plants with a profusion of flowers in these locations. As to locating plants of size to bloom, most garden centers will carry sufficiently large plants that will bloom the first year - they are frequently sold in bloom at these outlets so that the consumer can confirm flower color. If ordering by mail, look for vendors that provide plants larger than 4" sizes. Most of the larger hellebore speciality nurseries - Heronswood, PDN, Pine Knot, Sunshine Farms, etc. - do so. Here is a link that might be useful: link to online vendors

Vesfl, it gave me great joy to see your post both because your OGRs have proven their resilience and because you have been able to power through the Houzz changes and attach all these gorgeous photos! I so enjoy reading about your garden, your adventures, the various ideas that catch your attention, etc. I am very happy you are still posting on this site! Your OGRs are beautiful this spring, and they look right at home next to your charming garden ornaments and structures. Like Chris NY, you have an eye for integrating the architectural with the botanical. Your armillary and tuteur might have been collected from the beds at Monticello. You and I grow some similar cultivars. Your color scheme is heavenly! I am going to wave your photos in front of my pink and white damasks and my Munstead to encourage them. Carol