I do most of my planting in fall since the soil is warm, so good for root growth, while the air is cooler and the days shorter than in spring, so less stress on the plant. I've read (but haven't investigated) that plants' roots do much of their growth in fall.

I plant and then mulch well to help keep the soil warm and prevent frost heaving in spring by reducing swings in soil temperature. You will need to pay attention to soil moisture up until freeze or leaf drop. Just don't let it dry out completely.

What is the prevailing practice in your area? I would call your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office (click HERE for information) to see what they recommend.

In my zone 7 location, fall planting is ideal.

Let me clarify... Agree fall planting is great and it's always worked for me on purchased plants. These are seedlings I just started 7 months ago. What I'm trying to ask is more like: can a baby shrub like this go straight into the ground or will I get better results overwintering in the 1g pot, potting up to 3g next spring, growing it out all year and planting the 3g rootball next fall?

Im wondering what you all would do in this scenario?

It is already a good sized shrub; plant it. Now if it were only a few inches tall, that would be a different story.

Thank you for clarifying your question. I would certainly plant it; it will be better off for it.

What I'm trying to ask is more like: can a baby shrub like this go
straight into the ground or will I get better results overwintering

==>>> try not to kill things by loving them to death ... or overthinking it all ...

plant are potted up in the industry... to grow to a salable size ... not necessarily because they are so foo foo .. they cant handle mother nature ... presuming zone appropriate plants of course ....

if it has reasonable roots.. and you have decent soil [drainage] ... plant them ... ma nature is just so much better with it all ..

if you dont have good soil ... perhaps you ought to consider a nursery bed if you think you will do much more of this type of thing ...

and .. never forget.. you can repot in spring.. if you have some nefarious potted plant scheme ....[i would bare root and plant in native soil.. no big gob of potting media and native soil ...]

ken

Just one thing - if you have rabbits or deer they could probably benefit from a mesh guard to begin with.

Needs to be planted if you can see roots from the drainage holes. I also agree with floral_uk, put some chicken wire around them to keep the deer/rabbits out.