Blueberry question

[Miss Mouse]

I have a blueberry planted in the ground that is at least 5 years old. I have only recently found out that they do better with more than one. Consequently, I have just purchased another one (£3.00 Wilkos) that already has new leaves forming, the others didn't but I felt sorry for this one and was worried it needed some TLC pretty soon.

My first question is, is it normal to feel empathy for a fruit bush?

And my second question is will it survive if I plant it straight into the ground now, maybe with some fleece protection during the night as we are still having the odd mild frost here, or should I play it safe, pop it in a pot so I can control it's environment easier and plant it in the ground next dormant season?

Thanks

[WendyC]

Being in a warm shop will have brought it on earlier. Therefore I would gradually get it used to outdoor living, something like a week in the greenhouse, a week in the cold frame with the lid open, a week on the patio being prepared to return to the cold frame if a very cold night is forecast. Then it should be fine to plant out, and it should be warmer anyway.

[Miss Mouse]

Thank you, WendyC. I'll do that.