Dormant - Footer Elements – Brecks

Perennials and Vines

A healthy perennial should have firm, well-hydrated roots that are neither wet nor slimy. It will perform well if the root system and crown are not dried out.
Many, but not all, perennials have "eyes". Look for brightly coloured ones (they can be white, green or other colours) that are firm and undamaged. The eyes should not be budding or elongating.
You may notice "storage mold" on your plant in splotches or light coatings. There's no need to worry as long as the roots are still firm. Storage mold will not affect growth.
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PERENNIAL PLANTING GUIDES
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Shrubs

Shrubs are like all dormant, woody plants in that they should have strong, hydrated stems and branches. They should not be drying out or rotting.
As in the case of these roses, look for a well-hydrated plant with firm buds that are swollen but not yet ready to break.
To ensure its health, gently scratch away some of the shrub's bark at its base. You want to see hydrated flesh that's green or white.
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SHRUBS PLANTING GUIDES
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Bulbs

Expect a healthy bulb to feel firm and to be an appropriate weight for its size. Don't plant any with rot or excessive mold.
While virtually all flowers are beautiful, not all bulbs are. But that doesn't mean they won't perform well, even if they're smaller or have some scarring like these tulips. Plant such bulbs confidently.
Watch for excessive mold, but light amounts of "storage mold" are harmless and will not affect performance.
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BULBS PLANTING GUIDES
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Tubers

A healthy dahlia tuber will be firm and feel as if its weight is correct for its size. Examine it more closely if it feels hollow or looks too dried out.
Some tubers, such as these dahlias, will not always appear healthy. But if they're well hydrated, issues like this "storage mold" will not affect their growth.
Tubers don't have to be large to perform well. Even small root systems like this one will do fine if cared for properly.
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TUBERS PLANTING GUIDES
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MISCELLANEOUS

Dormant plants can take many unique forms, such as the one taken by this iris.
Don't worry if your dormant plant's foliage resembles this rhizome's. The plant will perform as it should as long as the fleshy portions of the root system are firm upon arrival.
You might notice some "pups", or offshoots, on dormant plants like this iris. That's OK. In fact, the more pups, the better, because they help promote new growth more quickly.
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PLANTING GUIDES
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