Helleborus is a beautiful genus of perennials that feature toothed, evergreen, leathery leaves and distinctive blooms that make an elegant addition to a shady Bay Area garden. The long-lasting flowers emerge in early spring in a variety of colors from white, green, pink, purple, cream, and even spotted. They look best when planted in groups in a shady area or woodland setting. Their distinctive foliage persists throughout the year and the flowers and foliage are fairly deer resistant. Heleborus blooms in early spring and tolerates a wide range of soils from neutral to acidic.