I bought my shrub about 2-3 wks ago and haven't gotten to plant it yet. It's really curled up and not green much anymore. I am going to plant it today, but what can i do to help it along?? other than just drowning it with water! Thanks!
All I really know about althea's Cheryllynn is that they don't really mind what kind of soil they're planted in and can tolerate full sun as well as partial shade. They're pretty hardy as they grow well here in Scotland. Maybe the plant is root bound in its pot. When you plant it out water the hole you dig for it and then tease the roots of the plant out a little before planting, then water it again. I hope it recovers once it's in the garden. Do let me know how it gets on won't you?
Before taking it out of the pot immerse it, pot and all, in a bucket of water. Make sure the water covers the entire pot. Once the air bubbles quit and the plant is totally rehydrated remove it from the water and plant as Eileen suggested. Your rootball has dried up and that is the best way to rehydrate.
Your Althea sounds very root bound just like the others said .I have a double Purple one and it was grown in a huge pot until I settled here .Just do as Eileen and Cajunbelle said thats what I would do.Althea's are very sturdy plants and make a beautiful bush .They are easy to propagate as this is how I got mine. It was a cutting from my Mom's .I had a hot pink one too but it did not survive.
