Bare root perennials FAQ's
Frequently asked questions for our bare root perennials
Are bare root perennials reliable?
Bare root perennials are reliable and easy to grow, providing they are started in the correct conditions. We ship bare roots shortly after harvesting at the ideal time for planting. They should not be stored after delivery and should be planted as so
When should bare root perennials be planted?
Bare roots perennials can be planted in autumn and spring and they are shipped in during both seasons. They should be planted within a few days of delivery while fresh and viable. For most reliable results, they should be potted up and grown on until
Is it too late to plant bare root perennials in May?
You can plant bare root perennials between February and June. Planting during May is fine if this is when they have been delivered to you. If your bare roots were delivered earlier in spring and stored until May, there is a chance they will have lost
What is a bare root perennial?
Bare root perennials is the dormant root system of a perennial plant. The growing point at the top of the root system is often referred to as the crown of the plant. This is where the buds are and where the new growth will develop from. Often, bare r
How do you plant bare roots?
Pot up bare root perennials within a few days of receiving them. You should use an individual 15-20cm temporary pot for each bare root and multipurpose compost. Plant with the root system completely submerged and any shoots or leaves at the top of th
What do you do with bare root perennials when they arrive?
Unpack your bare root perennials within 1-2 days of delivery. If you can't plant them immediately, remove from the packaging and place the bare roots in a dish of water in a cool, bright place and plant within a week. All bare roots will welcome a so
Why are bare root plants cheaper than potted plants?
Buying your perennials as bare roots is cheaper than buying plants ready grown for a number of reasons. They're smaller, lighter and easier to pack and transport. In a dormant form without growth, they tend to remain fresh, healthy and undamaged in t
How often should I water bare root perennials?
You should water bare root perennials whenever the soil starts to feel dry. They should not be sitting in wet conditions all the time. The frequency of watering depends on lots of factors, like the variety, temperatures and the stage in the season. I
What does one bare root mean?
One bare root will grow into one plant. Depending on the variety, this may be a bushy plant with multiple flowers, or it may be a narrow, upright plant. Most bare root perennials grow to form a clump over the years which means the plant will grow lar
How are bare root plants supplied?
Bare root perennials are supplied in bags with a little coir (coconut fibre) which helps protect the root from damage in transit and also holds a little moisture to keep the plant fresh. The root will be loose in the coir and should be removed from t
Do bare root plants need to be started in a greenhouse?
Most bare root perennials are fully hardy and can be potted up and grown on outdoors in a bright, sheltered part of the garden. Tender and half hardy bare root perennials must be protected from freezing temperatures and grown on in a greenhouse until
Do I need to soak my bare root plants before planting them?
Soaking bare root perennials in water will rehydrate the plant prior to planting. It isn't essential but placing the roots in a bowl or bucket of water is recommended if you can't plant your bare roots within a couple of days of receiving them. If yo
Can you plant bare root perennials directly into a border?
Bare root perennials should not be planted directly into borders as they can struggle to settle into some soil types in their dormant bare root form, there is an increased risk of pest damage, disturbance from wildlife, competition from neighbouring
Why are the leaves pale on my bare root perennials?
When bare roots are supplied later in spring, they will have started to develop shoots and foliage which will be pale due to lack of sunlight. These shoots may look sickly on arrival, however the pale shoots being present and intact show that the roo
How long does it take for bare root perennials to start to grow leaves?
Growth rates can vary greatly depending on the plant species, planting time and the growing conditions. Some bare roots start into growth straight away while others will take longer. Those planted early in spring may not be ready to sprout until arou
Will bare root plants flower in the first year?
All bare root plants should produce leaves in the first year and sometimes they produce some blooms, depending on the growing conditions, temperatures and how early in the season they are planted. Most will generally flower well in the second and sub
How long can you leave bare root perennials before planting?
Bare root perennials cannot be stored and should be planted as soon as possible, ideally within 1-2 days of delivery while they're fresh an viable. If you can't plant within 1-2 days of delivery, open the packaging and position the root so that the b
When should I buy bare root plants?
Bare root perennials are supplied between February and May for spring planting, you can preorder bare roots from December. Preordering ahead of the shipping season means that you will receive your order early in spring, the benefit of this is that th
Do perennials spread or multiply?
Perennials spread over time to form a clump which increases in size and vigour. The best way to multiply your perennial is to split an established clump into 2-4 smaller clumps between autumn and early spring and either re-plant them in separate loca
What do bare root perennials look like?
The size of a bare root perennial depends on the type of plant, as some naturally grow from larger roots than others. However, most bare root perennials would fit into a 15-20cm if potted to grow on. Watch a short video showing bare root perennials
Should I use the compost in the pack when planting my perennials?
The compost supplied in the pack is coir (coconut fibre). This is used as a packing material to protect your plants and help keep them fresh in transit. Coir is virtually sterile and has little nutrient value so it isn't suitable as a planting medium
Are all bare root perennials hardy?
Not all perennials are hardy and some will need winter protection. Please check the product information provided on each product page, you can also check our detailed planting instructions
Should bare root perennials have shoots/leaves on arrival?
When supplied in early spring, most bare roots will not yet have shoots although you may see some small buds. When supplied later in spring, bare roots will have usually produced some shoots or small leaves. If they have already sprouted, this is goo
Is it better to pot up bare root perennials before planting out?
Bare root perennial should be potted up into individual 15-20cm pots, ideally within 1-2 days of delivery. This gives them a chance to establish stronger roots and top growth in a controlled environment before they are exposed to the challenges of op
Do I need to lift herbaceous perennials over winter?
Perennials should not be lifted and stored out of soil over winter. Hardy perennials are tough enough to survive winter outside once they are well established but may need some protection in the first 1-2 years while they are settling in. Usually a m