I used it one year wih newly planted bare roots and they died. But I amended the planting soil. Think it was too hot. I uses it every year on the top as a scratch in and the roses seem to love it. I think a smidge in the bottom of the hole would be ok. Would try to keep it from direct contact with the roots.

I've mixed it into the planting hole. The blood meal and sewage sludge can relase quickly so place a small amount of soil over it to avoid root contact until it begins to break down.

Thanks....its great stuff on top of the soil, just wanted to make sure I wasnt going to harm the plant by putting under the plant.