#1 in pot

#2 in ground

below pic is a little bright. I can go out in my water logged yard and snapped a better one if needed.

Thanks

Leaf comparison

#1 on left

They could be the same thing. One may have had its root system cut shorter than the other though. Transplant shock shows up in different ways even for identical types of shrubs.

The soil in the pot probably drains better and the shrub there likes it 'more'. On the other hand, it may require more waterings now that summer is around the corner. So it may not do as well once the summer heat arrives.

Luis

Hmmmmmm even with the red petioles all over the one in the ground? There is no red anywhere on the potted one.

Also, on the leaf comparison.......... The leaves are uniform size all over on the one in the ground. The potted one has much larger leaves all over.

There really is nothing I can do but wait, right! Still hoping it's a paniculata, whatever it is.

You know, I recall when I potted up the one, that the root ball fell apart after taking it out of the nursery container and it had a a very small root system. The other came out and held together. Don't think it had winding roots.