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"Whether the
bedding plant you are considering is a six-pack of petunias or a
five-gallon fountain grass, don't forget the roots," she said. "The
roots take up water, nutrients and keep the plant anchored. Without
a vigorous root system the plant will not establish quickly, and it
will be less prepared to deal with the change in environment that
goes along with transplanting."
Bates noted that
healthy roots appear pale or white at the tips. This indicates the
roots are actively growing. The roots should be reaching out the
drainage holes in the bottom of the pot or package, or at least
peeking out.
"Be sure you are
paying for a plant -- not for soil," she said. "If the bottom
one-third or more of the pot has few or no roots in it, the product
may be overpriced. If you pay the price for a gallon of plant, you
should be getting close to a gallon of good, healthy roots."
Plants with roots
that have become tightly packed in the pot can perform poorly unless
an extra step is taken at planting.
"It is important
to loosen, sometimes even cut, the roots during planting so they
will spread out in the soil," said Bates. "Think of it as root
pruning to create more branching and fibrous roots.
"Loosen roots with
your fingers or a three-prong hand cultivation tool. An old kitchen
fork works well too. Spread the roots out as you plant and untangle
any that may have started to grow in a circle due to the pot. If
cutting the roots is required to get them apart, butterfly the roots
with a knife or sharp trowel."
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column in this article]
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When examining
bedding plants for purchase, the buyer should look above ground as
well.
"Look for new
growth, normal-sized leaves, and proper stem structure and shape,"
Bates said. "Leaves and buds should be free of blemishes and
deformation. This is even more important regarding the stem. The
stem supports and holds the vascular system that moves nutrients and
water throughout the plant. If the stem is damaged, it could mean
trouble for this growing season, and possibly even next year if a
disease caused the damage."
With herbaceous
perennials, the only part of the plant that will come back next year
is the roots.
"With this in
mind, lanky, overgrown perennials can be a bargain for the future if
the root system is in good shape," she said.
Bates encouraged
consumers to also check the undersides of leaves and growing points
for insects. Even the most reputable nurseries can get an
infestation of highly mobile insects if plants are kept outdoors.
Try to avoid bringing such pests home with you.
"For
recommendations on plants best suited to Illinois, check out U of I
Extension's Urban Extension Program Resources site at
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu," she said.
[University
of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences news release]
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