Was Starting to Fret

This croton was doing great in its container but needed to get into the ground. After planting it looked good but no new growth was happening. I began to fret - was it in too much shade now ? Was there a fungus on the roots and it would crap out on me ? Did I over fertilize it ? Did it get over watered ? Was the soil around its root ball too compacted that new roots could not penetrate it ? All these thoughts were dancing around in my brain. I always have these thoughts until I see new leaves emerge on newly planted croton. Its was going on two months in the ground with exceptionally warm weather but no leaves.

Yesterday my fretting was eased when I saw new leaves on this Pink Lei. Now I can calm down, thanks Randy - I really love the pinks in this cultivar.