Hi Mara,

There are many hellebores, the common names Lenten Rose and Christmas rose refer to Helleborus x hybridus and Helleborus niger respectively. They often bloom simultaneously, it just depends on the plant. An interesting old thread here related to your topic can be found below. The plants will bloom when they are ready (in the wild at high altitudes this means after the snow finally melts). Blooming can commence December to March in a 'typical' garden or in April or May or June in harsher winter climates. Also, most will not bloom until they are three years old in average conditions. If yours are young plants, they may not have been old enough to bloom last spring. I would plant them where they get plenty of sun during spring summer, and autumn in your garden. More sun = more blooms. Winter sun isn't very important, so even a north facing slope would be ok too.

Joseph

Here is a link that might be useful: hellebores in USDA zone 4

Thanks Joseph - that's exactly the info i was looking for. much appreciation, mara

Oh, you're THAT Joseph!! Very nice website, i happened across it the other day.
Thanks again