Small but viable roots.
Hopefully not premature, but giving this 5 stars because it arrived with signs of life. I waited a little while to plant it as I didn't yet have a trellis for it to climb. But it seems to be doing fine, and hopefully will continue to grow up the trellis and bloom soon!
As usual, HBF sent a flourishing starter that was ready to go in the ground. Looking forward to having it interspersed between my red trumpet vine.
Healthy though a little smaller than some of the other clematis ordered, it's growing well and hope to see blooms next spring.