Planted Severely Pot/root Bound, 1 Gal Loropetalum And 3 Of The 5 Don\’t Seem To Be Doing Well

Question

I ordered 5, 1 gallon Zhou Zhou loropetalum from an online plant store. They came severely pot bound, the roots were growing out of the pot, top and bottom. I got them out, fiddled with the roots to untangle them and got them in the ground asap. Three of the five are becoming discolored, though one of them has a flower! Are these stressed from being in such small containers and then planted? They are in FULL sun, next to a row of red tip photinias (that are doing quite well) I added compost (espoma land and sea) but what else can I do to help these plants thrive? I\’m in northeast Texas, zone 8. Sandy loam, planted them on a ridge that drains exceptionally well. I am watering in slow soakings several times per week. Thank you so much!

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Answer 1

When they get too root bound it will be best to chop off the bottom 1/3 of the root mass before planting. This can help stimulate growth from stressed plants. Unfortunately, since they have already been planted, it will be best to leave them to recover on their own. This may take some time, and they may appear to die. If they do not start coming back in a few weeks, then you can assume that they are dead. Likely, they will come back and come out of the stress, though.

This collection of articles will help you with their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/loropetalum