I have seen postings here in which winter protection techniques are recommended for Bid Daddy in your zone. Give it another month and then prune the stems at 1" increments until you either hit green or the bottom of the stems. New plants are very slow to return on their first year some times so hopefully this is the case. They concentrate energies on developing the root system so leaf out is delayed.

When I was first trying to ID my Elegans I thought (based off pictures alone) that what I had was Big Daddy. Since doing more research (but not actually having a Big Daddy in my garden) it seems to me that Big Daddy has more "cupping" action and also a heavier corrugation when mature than Elegans. Or at least that is what my mature Elegans shows me. Elegans tends to have a smoother less rugose leaf and almost zero cupping action (or at least less than Big Daddy). The registry lists Big Daddy as being 'taller' and Elegans being 'wider'. They also mention that Big D is more compact in growth than Elegans. Like I always say I am a beginner and do not have the experience growing all of these beautiful cultivars that many others do. This comparison of mine is solely based off owning a very mature clump of Elegans and sitting for hours going through pictures and discussions as to mature characteristics. Ken recently posted a delightful explanation as to what we call "Elegans" today really are. Link below. I do hope though that someone more experienced chimes in to give their perspective and experience. Best, Ludi Leaf off Elegans Here is a link that might be useful: Link to another Elegans thread on GW

She's a beauty! Here is a link that might be useful: Clickable link.

Always learning, I am feeling pretty good. Still having back and ligament problems but between meds and an enormous brace holding up my belly it isn't too bad. We have had several ultrasounds and at each one the baby has his legs crossed at the ankles with the cord in between his or her legs. So hoping that next month he will be more visible and we can see what we are having. Judy jay The oldest is Rhiannon it sounds out like this Ree-ann-on. We got it from a Fleetwood Mac song and Rhiannon is also a Celtic Goddess. Thanks for all the complements. I found a frame with a bike on it just like DH's even down to the saddle bags so took the pic and framed it for father's day. Stacie girlsingardens