Carmel:
Have patience. I planted bare root Helleborus last fall and was very
concerned this spring as everyone in this group that had it was already
in full bloom. Mine has just broken ground and will likely take a full
year to get into the correct "cycle". Mine also came in similar
packaging so I doubt this is the cause.
My guess is that your plants are just adjusting.
Keep us posted.
Tim Wilson
Chagrin Falls, OH
zone 5