I find the nigers not quite as easy in my own garden (oriental hybrids, foetidus) where my soil is clay based but heavily amended with organic materials over the years, acidic ph. In general, I understand the nigers do best with a humus rich soil (so it retains moisture while draining quickly), dappled shade in warmer summers like your own, and a ph more alkaline or at least neutral. Early on, I was reliably amending the area of nigers and nigercors to keep the ph a little higher, but admit to not doing that consistently more recently - I wonder if that wouldn't make a difference in the performance of my own plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hellebores.org 'Niger'

I'd agree with Mor in general re: H. niger but after several years of growing a variety of the HGC hellebores, I've found their nigers are extremely adaptable and pretty darn durable. Not fussy about soils (other than well-draining) very profusely blooming, very erect and far more resistant to botrytis than any other niger I've tried. I don't hesistate to recommend any in this selection of hellebores.....in fact, 'Cinnamon Snow' is rapidly becoming my go-to hellebore for alround good looks and long lasting blooms.

Thanks for all the info morz and gardengal. I plan to plant the Joseph Lemper next week. I am going to add gravel for drainage and egg shells for lime to keep the soil alkaline. I really appreciate your responses.