I would think you would see some signs of life by now. Instead of just chucking the whole thing, try carefully and gently digging down a bit to see if the roots are still alive. If they are white and firm, all is well, and just cover them back up and keep the soil just moist, not wet, until you see green coming up through the dirt. If all you can find is black mush, it's dead, and you should get your money back from the company you bought the plant from.

Well... bareroots are often sold as dormant plants so depending on the weather, it could take from several weeks to perhaps even 2 months to see some life. Gosh it is frustating.

My sister gave me some of her bareroot pussy willows which sat there for a couple weeks doing nothing. Now one has sprouted from the roots. Sigh... The tops have done nothing, but we'll see.

I think when one has a kajillion plants out there on the balcony, it helps because you can always ignore the slow one (although often it is that "special" plant) and focus on all the others and not get too frustrated when they take their dear sweet time.

So much in gardening requires patience... :-)

Just as a follow up, I checked this afternoon and 2 more of the pussy willow sticks have sprouted from the roots. Still nothing the top. I'll just leave them and let them do what they will.

K, thanks. Since it's a large pot, I'll just camouflage that big dry stick with some annuals.

I have a blue clematis that I purchased and received over a month ago. It is kept in the refrigerator, sprinkled occasionally, until I return from Eastern Europe in June because rain here has been sporadic. I want to be certain that once planted, the elematis receives enough water. However, I don't know how much water is needed, nor how often. What are the necessary conditions for a blue cleamatis once it is in the ground?

Bunny Snow,
Bunny@bunnysnow.us
Lafayette, Louisiana