Local home improvement centers are now selling their perennials at half price (late fall)–is this a good bargin for zone 5?
It depends. You often get what you pay for with plants especially, so beware. If you don’t expect a lot from your plants, and are willing to put up with some losses, you may not be disappointed with bargains. Many perennials are fairly tough, so it depends on what the plants are in part. Also for a fairly cold zone compared to many in the country, just make sure the plants are hardy and truly perennial in your zone. Look for information on the tags, or ask the sales staff. Often with big chains, the buying is done elsewhere and the same plants shipped to all stores, so some may not be hardy. And of course look for good growth, vigor, and lack of pests or disease problems. Some big chains provide minimal if any maintenance of their plants, including watering. Effects of such stresses may not be apparent now (unless plants are wilted of course), but may show up the following year with poor growth or even no survival. So if you do get such plants, and they don’t perform well, don’t necess
