Hi JL. You're correct in thinking that after a new bulb pushes out a few scapes the bulb does get "squishy" as when they arrive to the nurseries they are pumped up with fertilizers and are full of moisture. These new bulbs will never be as big as when you first bought them even after you've grown them several years, they will however be firm and actually as hard as a rock and after sending up a scape which they usually do one at a time in the future, the bulb will remain hard.

I know it's temping to water these bulbs but unless they are actually growing leaves, I wouldn't. It's the leaves that use the water. The actually bulbs themselves are capable of sending up one of two or even 3 scapes without needing water unless, you know that they have a few viable roots but it's the leaves that process the water.

Don't be alarmed when you see a huge amount of shrinkage after these new bulbs bloom and it will take a summer in the sun with lots of leaf growth to bring them back to their hardest consistency albeit much smaller. This is one reason why I never buy these bulbs advertised as jumbo because they will suffer so much shrinkage they may never recover.

As for you Rosy Star, I remember the picture its two beautiful scapes and buds and I hope that they do open for you, as they should. I think you bought this at Russell's and I bought an Aphrodite in a similar condition and the first bud has just opened its first flower.

Keep us posted on their progress.

Donna

Thanks Donna - I didn't know you were not supposed to water them until the leaves appeared! Yikes!

Ok I will keep this in mind and just be patient - and you're right these bulbs were from Russell's

Joy

Finally my much awaited rosy star is slowly opening its bloom. Hopefully will be fully open in a few days!

Hurray!! Looks like you got the correct bulb, the flower will get better as it opens fully. Enjoy!

Just wanted to post a pic of a more open rosy star. I know it’s not a spectacular color but it’s very soothing .....

Nice, those flowers on the lower scape opened nicely!! Yes, it's a soft one, but as you say, soothing. As you buy more another year, your tastes might change but for now,, you're doing great!! Evergreen is a favorite of most all of us!! ;-))

Joy, I like Rosy Star for her softness and understated beauty. Each of them seem to offer their own special beauty. - Jody