I would look at how much sunshine it receives during a typical day to start with. A general rule is to locate where the plant can receive 6 or more hours of sun during its growing season.

There could be other factors such as variety and nutrients but start with the sunlight question.

I have several that have never bloomed in four or five years, and I like to think it's just that some varieties like Wildfire (aargh!) are stingy bloomers, while others are very easy-going and generous bloomers.
Like K above says, it's usually the conditions that will affect blooming. These are trees and they tend to be happier in the ground, or at least pot-plunged.
If she can correct the deficiencies this year, it should bloom next season. We always see a delay as the plant prepares this season for next year's blooms.

one of my own frannies which has only flowered once before (I know it's in the wrong place but haven't shifted it yet) flowered for me this year... with a different shaped flower!! the original flower is one of the propeller shaped (long thin petals) and when I saw the flower stalk coming up, I got all excited. Lo and behold, the colour was right but the lovely long petals (which is what I loved about it in the first place) had changed to just the ordinary shape. I'll definitely move it this year and hope for the best next year. I'll attach a photo of what it's supposed to be...

In addition to the great advice above, is the plant fertilized & has it been repotted with fresh soil / root pruned in those 4-5 years? Just something to tick off the list if we're checking under the hood. (Also, this is probably not the case but could your friend's plant be a seedling of another plant instead of a cutting? Sometimes those take a lot longer to flower.)

Your bloom sure is lovely! So vibrant!

elucas101...it was, wasn't it? and I just loved the shape of the petals. :( :( I don't even remember where I got it from. oh well, maybe after I move it..... thanks.

I'll pass your msg to my friend and see what she says... thanks again.