I think this thread has got 'off-topic'! My limited experience of
Sarr flowers (I got my first last year on my seed-raised plants and
should be getting lots this year) is that the buds are the first
thing to develop in the Spring. I'd say that if you have new growth
but no buds, then they are not going to flower.
As for VFTs, you're as well if they don't flower unless you want
seed. I *do* leave the flowers on mine, but they're not particularly
attractive.
-- Clarke Brunt (clarke@brunt.demon.co.uk)