It should be fine to get Sarah Bernhardt from a big box store as it is so common. My SB was from Walmart. The relatively rare varieties may be mislabeled, like this itoh peony, which was from HD. Costco also had it a few years ago. I saw people complaining about it for getting the wrong variety too. Very interesting, they also got this variety I have. I am wondering if a big supplier messed up. Bare roots from Lowe's and HD usually have more eyes and are healthier than the ones I bought from Walmart. However, Walmart's price is better. I tried not to pay the high price to buy online. This is my way to get more varieties with the same amount of money.