Question
I bought a hummingbird garden through the mail and I received a giant hibiscus and a hummingbird vine. They came as bare root and I am not sure how to plant them. The hibiscus is very long and flat on top with what looks like legs on bottom. The hummingbird vin bare root is tall with hairy ends. My question is which ends go down and do I plant them completely under the soil? I am new to gardening! Please help!

Answer
Robin,
You should have instructions included if it is a collection garden. But if not or if they are not very clear follow my directions:

Get some fresh potting soil in a large bag at the garden center.Make sure you have a water source close by.

The Hibiscus needs to be planted fairly deep. Look at the circumfrence of the "legs" or roots.If they go out about 8 to 10 inches from the trunk of the plant then dig your hole that deep.Put in fresh potting soil and set the plant with the roots spread out over the fresh potting soil and cover them well. Then water.Then you may have to put more soil after you water to make it more stable. Press firmly with your hands or tap it gently all around with your feet on top of the soil around the entire plant until it is firmly planted. You may have to stake the Hibiscus with a cane support because it does get tall.
The Hummingbird vine is very easy to grow also.You will definitely need a trellis or fence so it will run up it.Once it starts to grow it really takes off so make sure it isn't going to ramble over other plants.The "hairy" part is the roots.Plant those in the ground just like you did the Hibiscus except the hole does not have to be as deep of course.Make sure you keep these watered for the first week if you don't get any rain.
After they start growing and blooming you will be proud of yourself!Good luck and most of all have fun with it!