Roots showing on surface? (pic)

[McFugget]

Just wondered if this is bad? Just planted a calycanthus venus, which arrived potted. Planted it at the same level as it was in its pot, and I can see a fair few surface roots. Should I put another inch or 2 of compost to cover the roots? But then I'm worried about burying the stems, (woody) too deeply.

I've only started taking a proper interest in the garden this year, so apologies if it's a silly question.

Yes just cover it in more compost. The compost in the pot has just compacted. Sometime only light watering encourages roots to rise to the surface. Give a good drink. Monty recommends giving plants grown in containers one really good soaking every week.

Thank you so much for your reply, so glad I checked now!

When you say a good soak once a week, does that mean standing the container in water for a bit? And would this be alongside usual watering with the hose, or instead of? I think I've been overwatering my plants a bit, ie. not waiting for the compost to become dry on the surface before watering again. My anemone's flowers have become all sad and wilted. I think this is because I was a bit over zealous to the point of waterlogging the poor thing.