Helleborus x ericsmithii

brilliant photo Andrew, you have really captured this well.

Lovely flower, a bit like a H. niger but better, I think.

And easier than H.niger. Here on acid soil, I haven't managed to keep H.niger going for more than 18 months (it needs alkaline apparently). As a last ditch attempt, I have planted it beside a path and hope it gets its roots into the cement between the slabs

Please where did you managed to find the h. ericsmithii? I have found it hard to track down....

Hazel - I bought mine at my local Notcutts Garden Centre. If you have one near you, ask them if they can get one for you. Alternatively, go to www.rhs.co.uk and use the Plant Finder. There are currently 40 suppliers, many of whom do mail order. Good luck with tracking it down.