Sheila my Kolkwitzia grows and flowers in part shade so I don't think the aspect will affect whether it flowers or not. Mine has been in the garden for many years now and I can't remember how old it was when it first flowered, but perhaps yours aren't old enough yet. I doubt you are doing anything wrong as they are tough and don't need much attention.

Thanks Jaykaty . . . I'll keep hoping then. At first I thought it might be the soil, but on investigation they should be happy in "any" soil, so it's not that!

Mines in between other shrubs and battles for sun.....and flowers , don't supposed you could have pruned off the flower buds?
give it a high potash feed in spring, it could help

Thanks Pam . . I've hardly pruned them at all, so it's a puzzle. But a feed in spring sounds a good idea, I just need to remember!

Well I guess as the spring bresks you'll be out looking at whats shooting in the garden, usually end of msrch time I give everything a balanced feed and the ones needing it get tomato food......its my way of remembering....

yours are probably just growing strong roots and will flower when they're ready....

Thanks - fingers crossed :)