As the old saying goes: "Don't judge a book
by its cover!" When it comes to gardening, good things come to those who wait. In short, all that's needed is a little faith in nature and to remember that our plants have been grown, cared for and stored properly to ensure your success.
Patience is just part of the winning formula, and just like many heroic stories of our time, your magnificent plant will also start from humble beginnings.
Here are some examples of what to expect when your package arrives. Keep in mind that misshapen or discolored dormant plants, such as bulbs, are not dead or unhealthy. Just like us, plants come in all shapes and sizes, but that does not limit their potential.
"What about these weird, ugly roots?"
If you've typically purchased live potted plants, buying a dormant plant can be a much different experience. Instead of starting with a leafed out (and sometimes even blooming) plant, you will instead be greeted by what appears to be dried up plant material. There's no need to worry though. Many perfectly healthy dormant plants will look this way. Take these iris rhizomes for example...
All of these are healthy rhizomes
Shipping Stages
Dormant plants like these iris will arrive in different stages, depending on the time of year they're shipped. Dry foliage, as seen here, should be of no concern. Each of these iris will perform equally well.