If order contains plants that are currently dormant, please read the following to ensure proper care of these plants:
Hardy perennials, plants that go through a winter rest period (dormancy), need to be handled differently than tropical plants. Many of these plants are deciduous (they lose their leaves during winter) or die back to the soil level and rest as a crown of inactive buds. Although these plants may appear to be “dead,” they are simply in their dormant, resting phase.
1. UNPACKING
Carefully inspect your plants upon receipt. Those that have a dormant tag in the pots are currently in their dormant state.
2. WATERING
After unwrapping the plants and pots, check to see if the soil is dry and if so water it.
3. GROWING LOCATIONS
(1) If the ground is open in your area and a planting hole can be dug then plant it in the desired spot in your garden or landscape. Thoroughly mulch the immediate area with leaves, straw or bark mulch to protect the root system.
(2) If the ground is frozen, the dormant plant must be kept in a cool or cold spot so as to not initiate new growth until spring. Place the dormant plant in an unheated garage, cool cellar, or outbuilding. (Do not a store in a heated cellar.) Check the soil every 2-3 weeks so it never dries out completely. To prevent the soil from going through several freezing and thawing cycles, protect the dormant plant by covering the pot and soil with some insulating materials, a rose cover, clean rags, burlap or even wads of newspaper.
(3) You can also place the dormant plant outdoors next to a building in a protected spot. Thoroughly mulch the pot with leaves, straw or bark mulch so it is completely covered. Make sure your location doesn’t get flooded by roof water.
4. PLANTING
In the spring, plant as soon as the ground is open and no longer frozen. Place the plant in the hole at the same level it was in the pot. Fill with good soil and water well. Dormant plants can endure freezing temperatures as long as the plants remain dormant without any green buds. Once dormant plants start actively growing, they need sunlight and water and must be protected from freezing temperatures so the new growth stays healthy. If freezing temperatures are expected and your hardy perennials have green leaves or buds, you will need to cover plants on frosty nights to prevent damage. After the first growing season, your hardy perennials will no longer need covering to protect from frost damage.