I bought a garrya elliptica 3 years ago after seeing one with lovely long catkins. I did my research first and found that the best one for long catkins is supposed to be the male variety 'James Roof' so that's what I bought. It is now about 3 ft high and looks glossy and healthy - though not very dense yet. I have not had one catkin yet. It is in a semi-shaded position in loamy but slightly alkaline soil. What could be wrong ?
Haven't a clue - but hope you're in a warm spot, because every February, when our 10" 'catkins' are due to turn their lovely pink, they are killed by frost, and for weeks after look really shabby! = Tim
We're in Buckinghamshire which is fairly mild though it is in a bit of a wind tunnel. I got one because there was a beautiful one outside my office at work so it should be hardy enough here.
Probably not old enough yet, is most likely explanation.