Planting bare root perennials is an economical way to add striking flowers and foliage to your garden With some simple steps, these plants can get off to a strong start and thrive for years to come In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about planting bare root perennials successfully.
What Are Bare Root Perennials?
Bare root perennials are plants that are shipped without soil around the roots They go dormant in winter, when the leaves die back and the plants rest In early spring, nurseries dig up dormant bare root plants, package them up, and ship them out.
Gardeners appreciate bare root perennials because they are:
- Cost effective – no pot and soil increases value
- Lightweight for shipping
- Establish well when planted properly
Popular bare root perennial plants include:
- Peonies
- Iris
- Daylilies
- Astilbe
- Hosta
- Bleeding hearts
- Ferns
When you order bare root perennials they arrive in early spring as dormant plants with naked roots packed in sawdust wood shavings, or sphagnum moss. It’s important to get them in the ground as soon as possible. But with proper care, these plants will reward you with beautiful blooms and foliage.
How to Plant Bare Root Perennials
Follow these simple steps for successfully planting bare root perennials:
Examine Plants and Soak Roots
As soon as bare root plants arrive, inspect roots for damage. Trim off any broken or mushy roots. Soak in water for an hour before planting.
Prepare Soil
Choose a site with well-drained soil and light conditions that suit the plant. Dig a hole wider and deeper than the root mass. Loosen soil and mix in compost or fertilizer.
Plant at Proper Depth
Place plant in hole with roots spread out. Plant crown (where roots meet stems) at soil level. Refill hole and firm soil gently around roots.
Water Thoroughly
Water deeply after planting. Continue watering regularly if soil gets dry. Add mulch to retain moisture.
Provide Temporary Shelter
Shield plants from sun and wind until established. Drape fabric over plants or place pots overturned around them.
Planting Bare Roots in Pots or Nursery Beds
For more control, you can also start bare root perennials in pots or nursery beds:
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Container planting – Choose a pot much larger than the roots. Fill halfway with soilless mix. Add plant, fill pot, and water thoroughly. Keep sheltered until transplanting.
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Nursery bed – Prepare a raised bed with high quality soil. Follow same planting steps. Protect from weather extremes with covers. Keep plants well watered. Transplant after establishment.
Potting or using a nursery bed allows you to protect delicate new plants until the soil warms up and they establish stronger growth. It also makes it easier to control moisture and nutrition.
Caring for Bare Root Perennials
Keep your new plants healthy with proper care:
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Water 1-2 times per week during first year. More in extreme heat.
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Fertilize 2-3 times in first season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Replenish mulch annually.
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Cut back dead growth in fall or spring. Leave any evergreen foliage.
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Divide when plants become overcrowded every 3-5 years. Replant divisions.
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Protect from rabbit or deer damage with fencing if needed.
What to Expect the First Season
Don’t be alarmed if bare root perennials grow slowly at first. They are focused on developing roots before foliage and flowers. Here’s what to expect:
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Leaves and stems may emerge 6-8 weeks after planting.
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Some varieties bloom lightly the first year.
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Full flowers and foliage generally in second season and beyond.
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Slower growers like peonies may take 2+ years to reach maturity.
Have patience! Establishing a healthy root system is key for your new perennials to thrive. With proper planting and care, bare root perennials will soon grow into beautiful additions that grace your garden for years.
Key Tips for Planting Bare Root Perennials
Follow these simple bare root planting tips:
- Plant as soon as possible after receiving plants
- Inspect roots and trim damaged parts
- Soak roots before planting
- Prepare soil and dig wide holes
- Plant at proper depth with crown at soil level
- Water thoroughly and regularly
- Shelter from sun and wind initially
- Fertilize and mulch for healthy growth
- Allow at least 2 years to reach maturity
When you give your new bare root perennials a good start with proper planting, moisture, and care, they will establish quickly and go on to thrive for many seasons of gorgeous flowers and foliage in your garden.
What are bare-root perennials?
Have you ever ordered a bunch of plants and then been surprised (and maybe a little disappointed) when you opened the box? You had visions of huge, blooming plants, and all you got were plastic bags with a few roots in peat moss. It’s easy to overlook the words “shipped bare root” in the tiny type when you’re caught up in the catalog pictures. Well, bare root isn’t a bad thing. Its an economical way to buy plants and you can often find varieties that are hard to find locally. Here’s how to get them off to a great start.
Plant the bare-root perennial
Place the plant on the mound and make sure the crown is even with the soil’s surface. If the crown is too low add more soil to the mound to avoid rot, check the plants position again and refill the hole with soil.
Water gently so the soil isn’t washed away.
How to Plant Bareroot perennials
FAQ
How do you plant bare root perennials?
Planting Bare Root Perennials in Nursery Pots
Choose a pot that is several times larger than the roots. Fill it half way with pre-moistened growing mix. Add the plant and continue filling the pot, taking care to keep the plant’s crown right at the soil level (if the crown is too deep it may rot).
Do you have to soak bare root plants before planting?
Before planting, you’ll need to soak the roots for at least 2 hours and up to 8 to 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours maximum.Mar 25, 2020
What are the disadvantages of using bare root?
Some of the drawbacks to bare root trees are that the sizes are not very large and many species of trees cannot be moved bare root. They are most restrictive when it comes to planting times. They need to be planted in the early spring before they start to leaf.
Will bare root bloom the first year?
They will establish quickly in the garden and, unlike other plants, will flower into a beautiful, fragrant display in their first year.
How do you grow bare root plants?
Once you’ve looked over your new bare root plants, soak them in a bucket of water for an hour as the photo above shows. Add a few drops of fish emulsion fertilizer to give plants a boost to start growing. The most common reason for potting up bare-root plants is because the weather and the soil are still too cold for them to go outside.
What is a bare root plant?
Some are bare root, some are plugs grown in containers, and some are rooted or unrooted cuttings. Generally, bare root stock is the largest and is preferred in areas of high vegetation competition. Bare root stock is reared in fields but sometimes is started in the greenhouse and later transplanted to a field.