Expert: Laura Walker - 4/7/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have some iris and daffidil bulbs planted around a pine tree which have not bloomed there.  The iris were transplanted from a different location from which they bloomed beautifully.  I was told that it was because the soil was too acidic under the pine and to put lime around them.  I was also told by someone else to use bone meal.  I have some bulb booster which has bone meal; is this good for this problem or should I use lime?
Answer -
Debi,
Iris and Daffodils are usually very reliable. What type of Iris do you have? The bulb or the tuber type?

You may have planted them too deep or too late to bloom this spring. How long have they been planted there?

Laura,

The iris are the bearded iris with tubers.  They are not planted deep, just below the surface, and have been in the ground a year.  The daffodils were planted before I moved here so I don't know anything about them, just that they have not bloomed in the two years that I have been here.  

Answer
Debi,
That is very odd. The iris may not be getting enough sun. The only thing I can think of for the Daffodils not blooming is that they may be too crowded to bloom. You may have to dig them up and divide them then replant. This can be done now or in Fall. I would move the iris to a sunnier spot. Good luck and happy gardening.