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 the key to growing dormant plants. Rest assured, your patience will be rewarded. With time, your plants will emerge from their humble beginnings and flourish.
Just remember that when your package arrives, the dormant plants and bulbs may be discolored and look disfigured. They are not dead or in poor health. Like people, plants come in all sizes and shapes. This does not limit their potential.
Reassure Your Clients About Dormant Plants
For homeowners accustomed to seeing live, potted plants, dormant roots can be a different experience. Instead of seeing leafed out and blooming plants, they may be unsettled to see dried up plant material. You may need to educate them that perfectly healthy dormant plants look this way. Iris rhizomes are a good example:
Shipping States of Healthy Iris Rhizomes
Depending on the time of year they're shipped, dormant plants can arrive in different stages. Iris rhizomes are a perfect example. If shipped early, they may still have some green foliage. If shipped later, the foliage may be dried. All will perform equally well after planting.