It should be more than hardy here, and you shouldn't need to do anything special with it. Wait a while to see what it does, it is still early, if it does not look better later, then return the thing...I know that is easier said than done, but those things are not cheap. Good luck, update this later if you will, that plant is on my 'want' list and I would love to know if I need to move it to my "don't want" list.

Helen.

Helen, on two shrubs put in last yearÂthe arctic willow standard and the hakuro nishiki dappled willowÂI played the game and lost. A seemingly knowledgeable guy out at Gertens this evening told me I had a 50-50 chance on the standard; it needs a location sheltered from the winter winds (which mine didn't have). I may just leave it in place, since the "trunk" is sprouting. Maybe I can get a clematis to grow up through the dead mop-head :-) Gary