Well Anita, I have a similar problem with a plant--I can not grow 4 o'clocks--they come up, they get about knee high and then just sit there and look at me until the frost kills them. I have had a few that bloomed over the years, but nothing like they should.
Everyone laughs at me about that-but they just don't like me !
Yes, I can grow the J iris and they are so pretty !