Goatsbeard blooms didn't open

by Joan
(Weymouth, NS)

The blooms on my 3yr old goatsbeard didn't open. I moved it from a sunny(6hr/day), wet location to dappled shade under a weeping willow & next to a pond. It grew much better in the new spot. It produced blooms for the first time this year but they didn't open. The leaves are turning brown & it's rather ugly. I plan to cut it back soon.
What can I do to get 'real' blooms?

Doug says if the plant is healthy and growing well, (it is a part-shade lover and it does do well in damp soils) then I'd relax.

Leaves turning brown at this time of year is likely a water stress issue (under a greedy willow) so do watch the watering. This is the main problem with this plant - water stress it and you're going to have ugly leaves and poor blooms.

It does take 2-3 years to get to its mature height and width and produce a big crop of flowers. It's like it stores up energy every year to get bigger and better. So have a bit of patience and don't let it compete for water with that willow (it will lose)