Nope. I would be surprised if they actually bloom this year but I wouldn't think it was too late. I'm in zone 7b and planted mine in pots early summer last year. They are huge and blooming profusely this year.

You can sow perennials all summer. Just keep them in the shade.

Welcome, new member, I agree, start them now. I grew them from seed 2 years ago by just tossing them into a bed in a back corner of the garden and they werent cared for whatsoever and are blooming as we speak. Some of them are going to seed right now, so nature says this is a good time to sow, too. They will come up and stay green all Winter for you as well. I have a long list of some other flowers that are sown now for the same nice effect if you email me. I looked for the link to email you in your page, but your page is not set up to allow anyone to click to email you. Perhaps you will reconsider. I find it extremely safe with no privacy issues. I see you just joined this Spring. Let's talk some gardening. Robin from NJ and NYC now in NC and loving it. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: my trade list

Ditto on that advice. I grew mine last summer. They've been in their glory the last few weeks. Healthier plants than you can buy in a greenhouse.