Astilbes and hostas aren't bulbs, but herbaceous perennials. Caladiums are corms which are bulb-like.

Your soil amendments are correct, except for the peat moss. It's not really necessary because it doesn't add any nutrients to the soil. However, it won't be harmful.

I don't know what the temps are where you live, but caladiums won't sprout until it gets very warm, like into the high 70's or 80's. I start mine indoors in a warm place, like near a heater or on top of the refrigerator.

The other perennials are likely growing roots which is why you haven't seen any top growth yet. They concentrate on root growth first. So be patient, they will probably start showing green growth any day now.

Thanks for the reassurance. I know the caladiums are a bit more intolerant to colder weather (it recently got down below freezing here...probably for the last time until fall), so I'll be much more patient with them. Low temps nowadays range from 40-55, and mid 60s are as high as the lows get here in the summer.

By the by, do you think it'd help if I soaked the...um..."root balls" of the not-yet-planted astilbes and hostas in water for a day before I planted them? Make them grow quicker?

How deep did you plant them? Are you sure they were alive when you bought them? Where were they for the 2 to 3 weeks before you planted them?
It's very possible the plants were dead when you planted them.
Linda C

Lindac,

I'm glad you brought that up. I did see some green growth (stems and even a leaf or two) on some of the root balls as I planted them...both of the astilbes and the hostas. So I think they were still alive. And I did my best to not bury them terribly deep...no more than 2" for either.

The caladium corms, on the other hand, didn't look terribly vital when I planted them. It's possible they're dead. But if not, and they're merely, um, dormant (if they can be), would a good soaking help them out?

If it got too cold for the caladiums, they are probably dead. Watering them won't help. Remember, they are native to tropical areas and don't like cold weather.

It's important to get your perennials in the ground ASAP. Their roots shouldn't be dry for any length of time or they will die.

It's a good idea to do a little homework before starting a garden, even a small one. Knowing the cultural needs of your plants will help to keep them healthy and prevent disappointing results. Good luck with your plants. :o)

We bought many of our perennials at Sam's (like costco) last year. They grew alot and a few flowered the first year. This year they are huge and putting on many buds. What do they say about perennials. The first year they sleep, the second they creep and the third they LEAP! Rest assured they will begin to pop up and in a few years you'll be amazed.

Caladium corms don't look like much when they're dormant. A 'bad' bulb will be soft and mushy. They also may not sprout as long as the soil temperatures are below 60 degrees. They'll be better to be a little on the dry side if the ground is cool, else they'll rot.

If they do grow, remember to dig them this fall and keep over in a place where they won't freeze.

Nell

I planted the same bulbs from Costco mine never came up either. That’s how I ended up here trying to figure out where I went wrong but it seems to be the bulbs :(