I've learned the hard way - they want sun. I have them everywhere in my garden and the ones that bloom the best are in a considerable amount of direct sun (four hours or even more). Mertensia, on the other hand, like dappled shade. Consider moving a few of the hyacinthoides to a brighter spot and see what you get. It is on my List of Things To Do to dig the hyacinthoides out from under the magnolia where they're doing exactly nothing.

I sent you both emails. Also, i neglected to mention i have about 5 VERY old clumps. they are very large and hold a lot of mass... sort of like the mass of a large colocasia tuber, just instead swollen tuberous roots. heres an example of what i mean by VERY mature and large:

Our mertensia has been blooming for several weeks and is still beautiful. One of the first perennials we put in, over 15 years ago, it has spread and become more durable thru the years. Ours is under a pin oak tree. We do very little there except water when excessively dry. The blue bells are mixed with bloodroot, spiderwort, Solomon's seal, day lily, coral bells, Jacob's ladder, crocus, star of Bethlehmem, lirope, columbine, and wood betony. I agree I would much rather pay for a mature perennial than a small dormant root. In the same small door yard we have weeping yaupon holly, blue angel holly, and box. EP

Hi Jeanne!! I do try and pot up the smaller trees each year and i will go up to the larger size being 12-15 max. My largest tree is a handful to move into my great room and I can't go any larger. Once it grows to large for that container, I will root prune and place it back into the same container. Most of my new trees go into a one gallon ( when I root cuttings) and I will move those up the following year to three and then five gallon. The number of trees I have are greater then the normal collector. Lol. Did I just say that? Nooooo.. I'm a " normal" collector.. ;-). I just have over a hundred or so to move inside each year and it takes a few days to prepare them for the " March Of The Plumeria". But I love it.. My trees are starting to have yellow leaves ( bottom.. Older leaves). And like K mentioned, that is normal. It's their way of shedding and getting ready due to the limited light now and the cooler evenings. They know when it's getting time to relax.. Mother Nature knows best.. im also seeing some orange rust, so don't be alarmed if you see this. It's getting to be that time of the season. Thank you K for your kind comment. I do appreciate your vote of confidence.. I'm still learning, but I also love to share what I do know. Please let me know if you need any help. I'd be more than happy to help you in any way... Have a great night !! Laura