You know, I have wondered about this. What type of daffs did you move? When I moved from my old house years ago, I dug some daffs & brought with me-they were just the old fashioned type. It took 3 years for them to bloom. Now, frankly, that was several years ago & I didn't fertilize or do anything to them. I have moved old fashioned daffs since, & the same thing. Since then I have bought newer fancier daffs, divided & moved, & they always bloom the next spring. Same thing, I don't fertilize or do anything to them. I would almost have expected the opposite.

And I'd question the validity of clematis being a "water hog" - they are not. They like a moist root run but they do not soak up water like a sponge nor do they outcompete other plants for soil moisture. I grow all manner of clematis over and through a wide range of shrubs and trees, including some quite vigorous vining types - all combine quite easily and happily and do not require any extra watering. I'm inclined to agree that the loss of foliage on the lower partion of the enkianthus is pretty normal. In fact various websites will indicate the plant will rather open at the base and with foliage clustered at the branch tips. The natural habit of this shrub is to grow in layers or with a 'stepped' appearance and as with most shrubs, it is not densely clad in foliage on the lower layers and this becomes more pronounced as the shrub matures. And the alkaline soil requirement for clematis is a bit of a myth as well - they grow equally well in slightly to moderately acidic soil. If you are providing happy growing conditions for the enkianthus, the clematis will appreciate the same - a rich organic soil, good drainage and even moisture. I'd just question the amount of shade, as enkianthus prefers at least partial shade while the clem would be happiest in more sun.

Completely normal for Clematis to explode in year three. Also normal for young plants not to bloom. There is an invasive Clematis in our area, Clematis vitabla. It has small white flowers that I would not consider gorgeous... I can't tell from the foliage which Clematis that is.

Thank you, Rita. No need to be jealous...Your bloom has started with the daffodils, and it will only continue and get better. I love roses period! You have so many lovely ones, and your clematis tower is to die for! I have blooms on pretty much all of my clematis. Those two new ones in the greenhouse may wind up in the new rose area I am working on right now. I have another older hybrid tea rose coming with the new order from Vintage. It is Jean Cote, and the pictures I've seen are lovely. I am going to have to get a new type of fungicide spray for the roses, because the last one I used doesn't seem to be working very well. I am alternating, and I think I will have to spar at least every 10 days, but it isn't a big deal since I currently have fewer than 40 roses. kay