Hellebores or Lenten Roses belong to a group of plants that is characterized by flowering in early spring. Another pleasant fact is that the plants can easily grow and produce lots of flowers in the same place for 25 years.
The plants are generally very hardy. They do not have special requirements for the soil, as long as the plants do not dry out completely during summer. On sandy soil, the addition of humus and possibly some clay is advisable.
In my experience, Hellebores is not picky in respect to location: they grow fine in shadow, partial shadow as well as in full sun.
Combinations with snowdrops and spring flowering irises are devastatingly beautiful. During summer, one can grow small flowered Clematis in between Hellebores. Also, various Geraniums combine very well.