HI I found that my plants take me about 4 years from germination. Others have said theirs take 3 years. If it was a ssedling in 2002 then maybe this is the year.
Mary

I planted mine in Fall 03 and am in the middle of my first big blooming season. I'm not sure if it helps or not, but I have been mulching mine with shredded leaves each year and they seem to like it.

I thank you both for your encouragment. everything is still covered by snow, but it is so nice out that I don't feel impatient at all - IT is coming. And if the hellebore doesn't bloom this year . . . . but what if it does? rebaru