About where in the world are you, Wendy? In cold climates, it comes up in the spring, blooms in midsummer, and goes to sleep in late summer or early fall. In hot summer, mild winter climates, like my own, it comes up in fall, grows all winter, blooms in spring, and sleeps through the summer. Areas with cold winters and very hot summers, such as Bend, Oregon, will have difficulties growing it.

I have a similar problem but I find a feed helps. I think that my chalky soil doesn't really suit thm.

welcome to GOY too :o)