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When you have found a plant you like, give it a quick once-over to make sure it has potential. Try to slide the plant out of its pot and look for healthy white roots growing in the compost. Choose a plant with vigorous top-growth and plenty of buds
Resist the urge to buy plants on impulse, and take the time to choose a healthy, vigorous specimen.
Inspect your plant: hold it up to the light and check both sides of the leaves and stem. Discoloured leaves may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or another ailment.
Don't think that bigger is always better. Look for a sturdy young plant with plenty of new shoots and buds as well as a healthy root system that will flourish.
Check the roots - avoid plants with so much congested root growth that you can't see the soil, and/or with lots of roots sticking out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
Reject plants with poor growth - if an established plant has poor growth, there must be a good reason for it. Look out for dead or diseased-looking leaves and broken branches.
Avoid plants with weeds or moss growing on the top of the compost. This can be a sign of old stock that hasn't been well cared for.
Check that plants have nice even growth. Some will have a 'front' and a 'back' because they might not have been regularly turned round, and have grown lopsided.
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
