Hardy and Lush
04/10/2014 By Sarah Olver

I purchased Big Blue in bare root form (If you read about bare roots before you purchase, you won't be surprised at the small bit of root and clipped foliage at the top.), and they arrived right on schedule. It was actually easier to plant them in their bare root form because I didn't have to worry about root-bound plants stuck in flimsy plastic pots. I was planting on a slope in Georgia red clay, so I amended the soil with a mixture of peat and mushroom compost, but not extensively. (Just enough to give them a good start.) After planting, I kept them faithfully watered and let them do their thing. The first season, they were not large, but they did grow well, with excellent, vibrant color to the foliage. By the end of the first growing season, each root had created a cluster of 5-6 leaves approximately 8 inches tall. They were very healthy. Three growing seasons later, these have performed absolutely beautifully. They are perfect for holding up the bank where I planted them, attracting birds, and are a wonderful contrasting color to other larger shrubs (Butterfly Bush and another shrub with gorgeous pink flowers that I can't remember the name of). I am thrilled with these plants.