The Lenten Rose is the common name for the Hellebore which has the twin advantages of growing in shade and being one of the earliest perennials to flower in spring. In fact some varieties can bloom through the winter in many locations. The flowers come in many colors from pure white through pink and purple to nearly black as in the picture above. I found an article by Stephanie Rose on her Garden Therapy website which describes her choice of five hellebore varieties that you will really want to see.
You can read her article at Garden Therapy
Image source: Monrovia