Give them more time. There is a saying that applies not only to daylilies, but to all perennials, and it goes, "first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap. You're not going to get a lot of bloom the first year. Also, they're going to produce a lot more blooms for you in full sun.
The shade of a fir tree is probably too much. I have some planted under a Norway Spruce, and they've never done well there. I have more planted under the dappled, open shade of a limbed up oak, and they do wonderfully. I haven't had any problems with competition from the roots of the oak. The ones in full sun do the best.
I think you should move yours to open, dappled shade or full sun, and give them at least 3 years to really perform well for you. Yes, it takes patience. If you're low on patience, buy them from a nursery already in a pot, as you'll get a decent sized clump, and it'll take only a season to get established.
Good luck, and enjoy! It does become an obsession.
