Hellebores are by far the most important perennial in all the garden. These are the widely grown  Helleborus orientalis .

They form a carpet among the camellias and under the hydrangeas.  Stunning when they bloom, they exhibit handsome foliage  all year-long and are tolerant of the shade the hydrangeas provide during the summer when many are hidden under their  foliage.

 Below, is the Heronswood “Party Dress Strain’.  It is tiny with absolutely no landscape value whatever. 

In a vase as a dinner companion, however, Joy!