For years we tried to make this plant happy, and finally after moving here, we succeeded. In nature this plant grows in open, scrubby deciduous woodlands. Our problem had been trying to plant it in full blazing sun, and then heavily manuring them each winter. In the garden these plants are sited in the western woodland walk, under the canopy of Doug firs, and sheltered by other plants. When coming into flower, we cut away the foliage that obscures the flowers, while leaving the outer ring. Leaving some foliage aids the plant, since it is pulling in energy, even during the winter months. Keep an eye out for black fungal spotting, as this can disfigure the flowers. Cut away diseased foliage, and don’t compost, as you’ll spread the spores back into the garden.