Mine didn't bloom either this year. Two harsh winters was just too much for them. If they are still there are at all they will recover by next year, provided we don't have a 3rd winter like that!

Lynn, did yours ever bloom? Mine didn't get a chance. Deer ate them last year to the ground. :(

Mine did not bloom, but they are poking their heads up again so maybe this year will be better since it has been warm. Deer do not eat mine, thank goodness, as they eat everything else.

Lynn, just curious if your large bed of Ancanthus did do its thing i.e bloomed in 2016?

Yes, but still not as well as before. I would say about 50% of the plants in the main bed bloomed. I think they may need to be thinned. My soil is also very poor in that area and I used some 10-10-10 last year in spring. We had a very warm winter this year and they are well up already. Unfortunately weather has changed to extremely cold with snow expected. Not sure what will happen as a result.

Yours are up already!? I have hosta peeking out, but not the Acanthus. I'm hoping to pick some up at the swap this spring. darned deer...

Yes, they are sticking up about 3/4 inch. You are in the DC / MD area, correct? I'm in northern Baltimore Co. I'm surprised yours are not up too. Everything is poking its head up including Solomon Seal. I'm worried what the snow will mean. A frozen cherry bud, is frozen none the less. :( What swap do you go to?

Wow. I'm between Bowie and Upper Marlboro down here in PG county. So much farther south than you! Interestingly enough, my hosta and poking up and they're usually the last! But I haven't seen my Acanthus. But it has had a horrible time the last 2 year. A single year with incredible growth and blooms, but then, nothing. Darned deer.

You don't come to the Mid-Atlantic Gardening Board's spring swap? It's been going on sine 2004. Usually the 1st Saturday in May, although I haven't heard yet this year. If you don't have plants, at least bring a dish to pass because it's also a delicious pot-luck. I'm partial to chocolate, just in case you were wondering.

I have never heard of it but only joined a garden club last year. I'll check it out. Thanks!