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Although spring and fall are the optimum times for planting most perennials, container-grown plants may be set out at any time of year. To remove the plant from the container, first water it, turn it upside down, and hold your spread-out hand under the root ball to catch the plant as it slides out. Whack the sides and bottom if the plant is stubborn about sliding out.
Roots of container-grown plants frequently encircle the surface of the root ball and may keep growing round and round even after planting, unless action is taken. If this has happened, lay the plant on its side on the ground. Holding it at the top with one hand, firmly rake the root ball's surface with a hand-held weeding tool around the entire root ball. The tongs of the weeding claw should cut deeply into the root ball, cutting the entangled roots. This process will not damage the roots but will encourage them to grow outward rather than in a strangling circle.
Dig the hole wider, but no deeper, than the container. Refill the hole with the same soil you took out of the hole, positioning the root ball level with or slightly higher than the soil surface, and firm the soil around the plant. Then soak the area with water and mulch, making sure any exposed root ball surface is covered.
Barbara Thornhill, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service