Question
Hi.  I am new to gardening and I ordered a few different perennials through the mail.  One is called "golden sundrops" I don't know which side is up!  One side of the plant is "hairy" are these the roots, to be planted downward, or is this the top of the plant to be planted above the soil.  I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Answer
Steve,
I think you are refering to Heliopsis which is a great carefree perennial so you made an excellent choice. I am curious to know how did they come packaged? Were they in pots or were they in the perennial bulb and tuber section that are sold in bags of the garden center?
I have not had a personal experience with these yet,but this is easily solved.

If you bought them in pots,as soon as you take them out you should see roots at the bottom of the plant and green foliage or blooms(which I assume they aren't blooming or you wouldn't be asking this question).The roots of course are what you plant in the soil.

If you bought them in a bag in the packaged perennial and bulb section then there should be directions on how to plant,when to plant,etc. The "hairy" part are the roots and so these are probablu bulbs or tubers sold dry just like all Daffodils,Tulips,Gladiolas,Begonias,etc.So the hairy part are the roots and they are planted down into the soil. Not sure to what depth though,but it should say how deep to plant.
I will give you a link to find out more info.Just copy and paste the link into your browser and click "go". Good luck to you and happy gardening!

http://www.directgardening.com/detail.asp?nav=per&pid=6566