what research i have done shows that they would do just fine in our climate. i purchased a black flowered hybrid this year. it was planted in a shaded area and hasn't done a thing. a friend of mine told me to be patient and let it set roots. good luck.

The one to avoid is H. niger, the Christmas Rose, all the others do well in Southern California providing they are planted properly and given adequate feeding, water and mulch. H. argutifloius, H. lividus and H. x sternii are among the best for our area. Heronswood Nursery in the state of Washington has a fabulous collection, pricey but worth it. It's hard to find the plants in local garden centers, but they can be special ordered from Armstrong's. Since you are new to California gardening, you should have a copy of Sunset's Western Garden Book and refer to it constantly!