If you don't find buds now...you probably aren't going to see bloom this year.

Bloom time can be anywhere from late November to early March and is heavily dependent on weather. In my climate (mild but typically wet winters), Helleborus niger is the earliest hellebore to bloom and is typically in bloom AT Christmas (hence the common name). An atypically cold December or early winter can push that time frame out several weeks.

This is a winter blooming perennial. No repeat bloom later in spring.

Mine start blooming in Dec, and retain their blooms for 3-4 months (they still look great right now).

Jackie