I bought a whole bunch of perennials from one of the local garden centers last week, and since then it's just been raining and pouring every day. I know, I have a whole deck of plants to put in my beds this year, but I needed to see some flowers this year. Don't judge me :)

Anyway, we finally had a beautiful sunny warm day today so I got some work done. While planting, I noticed that the soil in the pots was basically the same brownish red clay found all over the area. There was so much water retained in the pots that a lot of roots just ripped off once they had no pot on there to support them. Plants look perfectly healthy up top.

Now, what I was thinking was this. These plants were grown in a local greenhouse, according to their labeling. Is it likely that the greenhouse would use native soil when potting to minimize transplant shock OR do you think they were just incredibly cheap, and I was lucky to get them out of those pots before root rot set in? I didn't get everything planted today, I have a few rudbeckias and a phlox still waiting. They're calling for more rain on Saturday, and I'm off work tonight so I could get them planted tomorrow. I was going to wait a bit, to see if some things were going to come back or not and fill as needed but now I'm worried they will drown. Another option is to put them in larger pots, I'm all out of gallons since I started my cannas but I have empty planters that would work.

Thoughts? TIA!!!
Shel

That said, all you can do is rescue them, whether by planting out or into a large pot with better soil. I'd also complain to the nursery where you bought them, maybe take one to show them. If they got them somewhere else they'll have some clout with the grower. And if they grew them themselves they'll at least know what they're doing isn't acceptable.

Good luck with them. (And though I grow lots of things by WS I almost always get at least one plant on impulse when I'm out and about so don't feel guilty about wanting instant gratification. :)

Caryl

That being said, I finished planting them today. I may end up moving them later, but at least they're out of the pots!

I noticed when I bought them, there was dirt smeared on the outside that looked like our clay soil, but I didn't think anything of it.

Caryl thanks for your thoughts :)

I'd vote for the grower being cheap. I've never bought a plant anywhere that wasn't in an obvious potting soil mix.

Ditto. Not all potting soil mixes are the same however and I've lost a couple of not-so-cheap perennials because the growing medium didn't absorb water. I know where I bought them and avoid those places now. The plants I bought last week are nursery-grown and I wouldn't hesitate to ask for replacements if I have any issues with them growing and thriving.

I have bought plants there before, been very happy with them, that's why I was so surprised with these.

Cutting corners wherever they can I guess. They didn't give me their guarantee paperwork this year either. Hmm.