I think I have good news for you. In the fall hellebores may become disfigured by aphid or leaf blight and the foliage will become black, brown or shriveled. It looks very ugly but the solution is to cut back all the foliage to within one inch of the ground. Don't worry, new growth with healthy leaves will emerge once the flowers bloom in February. Do not compost the unsightly leaves as the leaf blight could spread in the compost. Give your hellebore good air circulation by removing plants growing  closer that one foot away and try not to get the foliage of hellebores wet if you water.  Good drainage is also key. Let me know how it blooms for you this spring - I am hoping for hellebore heaven in your garden this February. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti