Hi, where are you located in the country? Your garden center should soon be getting in hellebore plants soon. If you buy one that is maybe 2 gallon sized it may bloom for you this year. If you start seeds you will be waiting for 3-4 years for your blooms.
I would start with the hybridus form. The label may say 'Orientalis'. I have found those to be very sturdy and easy to grow in good soil. You can plant those now. I have seen some for sale online from Parks Seeds and Wayside. From the size given though, 4" pots, I dought they would bloom for you this year.
Mary

Amateur,
I'm in SE PA, near the MD line so my zone is virtually the same as yours. As Mary says above, the Hybridus group, which is most of what we find in this area garden centers, give the most early satisfaction for early flowers and winter foliage. I would also suggest Helleborus foetidus for your trial. This is generally available also (also called stinking hellebore for odor of bruised foliage) and, although the flowers are not as attractive to some as the hybridus, is an outstanding foliage plant and grows very rapidly as well.

George

Thanks Mary & George! I just realized I should probably ask if bunnies like to eat these plants. I just planted some pansies for winter color and they have been chewed to the ground in just two days.

christine

Amateur,
Hellebores, both leaf and flower, and especially the roots are quite toxic. Most little critters will leave them totally alone. I have started to grow them because the deer eat everything else I grow, and these, while not totally immune to damage, survive very well. Voles won't touch them and deer generally will do no more than one nip, then leave them alone. I don't have any bunnies around here, but I think they also would leave them alone.

George

Hello. Do they grown in sone 9, Tampa, FL???
Thanks