Do anenomes get tired?

Nollie

My White (I think anenome blanda) and blue Mr Fokker anenomes put on an amazing show the first two years, but this year they are fewer, shorter and look as if they are exhausted already. I have mulched them but never fed them. They usually flower much earlier here and are done by June, but I don’t think they will last that long this year. Do they have a limited lifespan?

Rubytoo

Me too:

philippa smith2 said:

I can sympathise with your Anenomes - it's a while since I've put on a good show too

Me three

I planted a few years ago expecting them to spread and thrive in woodlandy conditions, but they too disappeared. I did put a bit of feed around after they flowered, but I suspect I did not realize they needed splitting or they got too dry rather than lack of feed.
How do they manage in woodlands where they should thrive?
 
Is it younger seedlings that take over perhaps?

I didn't bother to reason why. But have since taken an interest in maybe getting some again.
So will be interested to see any more replies or if you re post next year after doing what Phillipa advises.

nutcutlet

I'm blaming all such issues on the hot dry season last year. It stops me worrying about it  

Nollie

Thanks for the advice Philippa, actually they are not at all crowded and don’t look as if they need dividing - individual plants are still pretty small and dotted about in the hope they would spread out a bit, which they haven't! It could be drought, rubytoo and nut, as I had my first rain this evening after three months of waiting - hurrah!! No matter how much I water, and boy do I water, its just not the same as rain, so maybe I shall see a miraculous recovery tomorrow  I just wondered if they naturally decline after a few years and need replacing, like tulips...