I'm really liking this plant and especially the blooms. Can I grow it here? Would I have to treat it as an annual? I never considered it before when I had Littlebit because he would take a bite out of any plant anywhere anytime. But the two I have now are really not interested in the flora, so I could have some, maybe???

Check Sunset Western Garden. It lists many that will grow in zone 24. They say Corsican Helleborus (H. argutiflollus) ( H. corsicus)is the best for So. Cal., but there are many others.

Thanks for reminding me that I have the book right here. I'll blame it on the pain pills.