Planted too deep: If the eyes are more
than two inches underground, lift and replant.
Too young, or moved and divided too often:
Allow the plant more time to develop; it should be in the same
spot for at least five years.
Large clumps transplanted without proper
division: Divide (3-5 eyes per division) and replant.
Undernourished: In this case, buds
form but don’t develop. Top dress with compost, avoiding the crown
of the plant.
Overfertilized: In this case, the plants
have deep green foliage but form no buds. Water thoroughly to
wash away excess nitrogen and cut down on fertilizer.
Too much shade: Plants will be tall
and lanky; replant in full sun or part shade.
Not enough moisture: water to bottom
of roots. (Established plants will bloom even when severely drought-stressed,
although not profusely.)
Root competition from neighboring trees
or shrubs: Replant outside the neighbor’s root zone.
Buds develop but fail to open: These
may be damaged by late frost, disease, drought, or being waterlogged.
Root system undermined by gophers or moles:
Put in a wire mesh barrier around the bed.
