Bare Root Tips

Bare-root perennials offer several advantages over their potted counterparts:

• Cost-effective: Since they're shipped without soil, bare-root plants are generally less expensive.  
• Stronger root systems: Grown in open fields, they develop robust root systems, leading to healthier and hardier plants.  
• Wider variety: Nurseries often offer a larger selection of bare-root perennials than potted ones.  
• Eco-friendly: Less packaging and transportation resources are used compared to potted plants.
• Potential for larger plants: With proper care, bare-root perennials can develop into bigger, more established plants faster than potted ones.  

By opting for bare-root perennials, you're making a smart choice for your garden and the environment.

Patience is a Virtue

While it is exciting to welcome new perennials to your garden, it is important to understand that not all plants grow at the same pace. Some, like peonies, clematis, and hollyhocks (alcea), are known for their slower start. It can take a month or more before you see significant new growth on these plants. On the other hand, rudbeckias and heucheras tend to fill out more quickly.

First Year Focus

In many cases, your newly planted perennials will prioritize establishing a strong root system over producing flowers in their first year. This is perfectly normal and healthy for the plant's long-term well-being. While some perennials might surprise you with a few blooms, it is more common to enjoy their full floral display in the second growing season.

Remember, every plant is unique, and these are general guidelines. With proper care and patience, your perennials will reward you with beauty and longevity.

Agastache

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown even with the soil line. Ensure the soil is well-drained. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-24 inches apart. Water deeply after planting.

Allium

• Season to Plant: Fall for most varieties, but some can be planted in spring.
• Plant the crown just at or slightly below soil level. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space bulbs according to size and desired effect.

Amsonia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place the crown about one half inch below the soil surface. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Aquilegia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place the crown at soil level. Thrives in partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Artemisia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place the crown just below the soil line. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates drought once established. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-24 inches apart.

Asclepias (Milkweed)

• Season to Plant: Spring after the last frost.
• Plant 'high' so the crown protrudes above the soil line for bare root. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Essential for monarch butterfly conservation. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-24 inches apart.

Astilbe

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown just below the soil line. Prefers partial shade to full shade and moist, rich soil. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-24 inches apart.

Baptisia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown just below the soil surface for bare root. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Space plants 24-36 inches apart.

Belamcanda (Blackberry Lily)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant bare root tubers slightly below the soil line. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Tolerates drought once established. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant so the crown is at least an inch above the normal soil level. Mound some of the soil up around the crown to create a small hill that slopes away from the plant to assist water drainage. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to encourage blooming.  

Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown level with the soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Can be invasive in some areas, so choose location carefully.

Campanula (Bellflower)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown level with the soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Some varieties are short-lived perennials. Space plants according to variety.

Clematis

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Dig a hole that is deeper than the root ball, and then position the plant’s crown about 2" below the soil line. Provide support for climbing varieties. Prefers well-drained soil and sunlight on the roots, shade on the foliage.

Convallaria (Lily of the Valley)

• Season to Plant: Fall.
• Dig a hole deep enough for the roots and situate the plant with the crown about an inch below the soil surface. Prefers shade to partial shade and rich, moist soil. Can be invasive.

Coreopsis

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant the crown level with the soil line. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Crocosmia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant 3-6 inches below the soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Can be lifted and stored in colder climates. Space bulbs according to desired effect.

Delphinium

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place crown at or just below soil surface. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Stake tall varieties for support. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place the crown of the plant about one” below the surrounding soil. Prefers partial shade and rich, moist soil. Some varieties are deciduous, while others are evergreen. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant crown even with the soil line. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and birds. Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Echinops (Globe Thistle)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant bare root with the crown at the soil line. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Epimedium

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Crown should be planted slightly below soil line. Prefers shade to partial shade and rich, moist soil. Excellent ground cover. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Eucomis

• Season to Plant: Spring after the last frost.
• Plant the bulb 2.5 Seasons the depth of the bulb. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Unique appearance with flower spikes. Space bulbs according to desired effect.

Euphorbia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Crown should be planted even with soil line. Many varieties have milky sap that can be irritating, so handle with care. Prefers well-drained soil and sunlight. Space plants according to variety.

Geranium (Hardy Geranium)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Bare root crown slightly below soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Many varieties are long-blooming and deer-resistant. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Gypsophila (Baby's Breath)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Place crown at or slightly higher than the soil level. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent filler for bouquets. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Helictotrichon (Blue Oat Grass)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• The crown (where the roots meet the plant) should be just slightly below the soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Ornamental grass with blue-gray foliage. Space plants according to desired effect.

Heliopsis (False Sunflower)

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant crown even with the soil line. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Long-blooming and attracts butterflies. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Hemerocallis / Daylilies

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Set the daylily in the hole with the crown of the plant 1” below the soil line. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Comes in a wide variety of colors and flower forms. Space plants according to variety, typically 12-18 inches apart.

Hibiscus (Hardy Hibiscus)

• Season to Plant: Spring after the last frost.
• Crown should be at or just above soil level. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Large, showy flowers. Space plants according to variety, typically 3-5 feet apart.

Hostas

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Position the crown 1” below the natural soil line. Prefers shade to partial shade and rich, moist soil. Various leaf sizes, colors, and textures. Space plants according to variety.

Iberis

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place the crown just below the soil surface. Space plants according to variety, typically 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly until established.

Iris

• Season to Plant: Late summer or early fall for bearded iris; spring for other types.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. For bearded iris, position rhizomes horizontally and partially exposed to the sun. For other types, plant the crown about 1.5 inches below the soil surface. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Kniphofia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Position the crown at or just slightly below the soil line. Avoid planting too deep to prevent rot. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Lagerstroemia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant the crown even with the soil line. Space trees according to desired size. Water regularly until established.

Liatrus

• Season to Plant: Spring.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant bare root corms with the top right at the soil surface, just barely covered with soil. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Ligularia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in partial to full shade. Prepare moist, well-drained soil. Plant the crown even with the soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Monarda

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare moist, well-drained soil. Plant crowns at soil level or just below. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Nepeta

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place the crown of the plant just below soil level. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings until established.

Pennisetum

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Place the crown at the soil level. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Peonies

• Season to Plant: Fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Set peony root so the eyes (growing tips) are no more than 1 inch below the soil line. Avoid planting too deep to encourage blooming. Cover the root with soil and water as needed. Space plants according to variety.

Perovskia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant bare root crown slightly below soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Phlox

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place the crown at the soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Platycodon

• Season to Plant: Spring.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant the tap root high, with the upper part protruding about one inch above the soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Polygonatum

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in partial to full shade. Prepare moist, well-drained soil. Plant eyes slightly below the soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Rudbeckia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Place crown just below soil surface. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Salvia

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant crown even with soil level. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Sedum

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place crown just at or below soil level. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly, but tolerate drought once established.

Sempervivum

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place crown at soil level. Space plants according to variety. Drought tolerant.

Sisyrinchium

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place crown at soil level. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Thymus

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant bare root with foliage on the top of the soil and fine root system underneath. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established. Drought tolerant.
• Tradescantia
• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in partial to full shade. Prepare moist, well-drained soil. Plant crown slightly below the soil line. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Veronica

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prepare well-drained soil. Place bareroot at soil level or slightly higher. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly.

Yucca

• Season to Plant: Spring or fall.
• Plant in full sun. Prepare well-drained soil. Plant with the crown at soil line. Ensure tubers are not exposed. Space plants according to variety. Water regularly until established.

Note: These are general guidelines. Specific planting Seasons and methods may vary depending on your climate and the specific variety of the plant. Always check the plant tag or consult a local gardening expert for the most accurate local information.

Upon receiving your bare-root plant, it's essential to inspect it thoroughly.

Examine the Root System:

• Appearance: Healthy roots are typically a light tan or grayish color, firm, and pliable. Avoid plants with dark, brown, or black roots, as these might indicate rot.
• Structure: The root system should be well-developed with a good balance of thick and thin roots.
• Condition: Roots should be moist but not soggy. If they seem dry, mist them lightly.
• Remember: Root structures vary by plant type. Some plants have thin, wiry roots, while others have thick, fleshy ones. The key is to look for healthy color, texture, and overall vigor.

If you notice any damaged or broken roots, feel free to prune them off with clean shears.

Same-day planting is ideal. When bare root plants arrive, it's best to plant them that day. The rush is because once these plants leave refrigerated storage, they begin to break dormancy, which means they need moisture and nutrients. Rehydrate plants by soaking them in water before planting. Follow instructions on packaging for specific soaking times. Ultimately, you want bare-root plants in soil before buds begin to swell or new growth appears.

If you can’t plant your bare-root perennials immediately, proper storage is crucial.

• Find a cool, dark location, like a north-facing wall or a cold garage.
• Keep the original wrapping on the roots to maintain moisture.
• Gently check the packing material around the roots and lightly mist if dry. Avoid letting the roots dry out.
• While most bare-root plants can be stored for 2-3 days without issues, planting them as soon as possible is ideal.
• As a temporary solution, if the ground isn’t frozen, you can either heel them in (bury the roots in a shallow trench) or pot them up until you can plant them permanently.

For those seeking extra care and control over their new perennials, starting them in pots is an excellent option.

This method offers several benefits:

• Isolated growth: Plants can focus their energy on development without competition from other garden inhabitants.
• Precise moisture control: You can tailor watering to the specific needs of each plant.
• Early start: In cooler climates, potting can jumpstart growth before outdoor conditions are ideal.

Potting Your Perennials:

1. Choose the right pot: Select a container significantly larger than the plant's root system. A general rule of thumb is a 1-gallon pot for most perennials and a 2-gallon pot for peonies.
2. Prepare the pot: Fill the container halfway with a high-quality potting mix.
3. Plant carefully: Gently place the bare-root perennial in the pot, ensuring the crown (where roots meet the stem) is at the proper soil level. Backfill with potting mix, taking care not to bury the crown.
4. Water thoroughly: Deep watering helps settle the roots.

Indoor Care:

• Light: If starting indoors, provide at least 10 hours of bright light daily. A sunny windowsill or grow lights are ideal.
• Watering: Water sparingly until new growth appears. Avoid overwatering.
• Patience: Most perennials take 6-10 weeks to establish, but timing can vary based on plant variety, season, and growing conditions.

Transitioning Outdoors:

• Acclimatization: Gradually introduce potted plants to outdoor conditions over a week or two, shielding them from intense sun, wind, and rain.
• Planting time: Once acclimated, transplant into the garden or continue growing in pots.

By following these steps, you can give your bare-root perennials the best possible start and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

For those seeking a dedicated space to establish their bare-root perennials before transplanting, a nursery bed is an excellent option. A raised bed is particularly beneficial due to its improved drainage and soil conditions.

Preparing and Planting Your Nursery Bed:

• Site Selection: Choose a location that receives adequate sunlight for your chosen perennials.
• Soil Preparation: Ensure the bed is filled with well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
• Planting: Follow the specific planting instructions for your perennials, ensuring the crown of the plant is at soil level.

Initial Care:

• Watering: Water sparingly until new growth emerges. Once active growth begins, adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions and soil moisture.
• Protection: Consider using horticultural fabric to shield young plants from extreme weather conditions, such as frost, heavy rain, or intense sunlight.

Transplanting and Long-Term Care:

• Timing: Once your perennials have established a strong root system, they can be transplanted to their permanent garden locations at any point during the growing season.
• Post-Transplanting Care: Provide consistent watering for the first few weeks after transplanting to aid in establishment.
• Alternative: If you prefer, leave the perennials in the nursery bed until fall or the following spring before transplanting. This can be advantageous for certain perennials that benefit from an extended growing period.

By carefully tending to your nursery bed, you can cultivate robust and healthy perennials that will thrive in your garden.

The anticipation of welcoming new perennials into your garden is undoubtedly thrilling. However, it is essential to temper expectations, as not all plants follow the same growth trajectory. While some burst into life with vigor, others adopt a more deliberate pace.

Patience is a Virtue

Certain perennials, such as peonies, clematis, and hollyhocks, are renowned for their leisurely start. It can take several weeks, or even a month, before you witness substantial growth. This initial period is crucial for root development, which forms the foundation for the plant's future health and vitality. In contrast, rudbeckias and heucheras typically exhibit quicker growth and may begin to fill out more rapidly.

 Prioritizing Root Development

A common misconception is that newly planted perennials should immediately produce flowers. In reality, most plants prioritize establishing a robust root system during their first year. This underground infrastructure provides the nourishment and stability needed for sustained growth and abundant blooms in subsequent seasons. While some surprises may occur, and a few blossoms might grace your garden, the primary focus should be on building a strong foundation.

 A Rewarding Journey

Remember, every plant is unique, and these are general guidelines. By understanding the natural growth patterns of your perennials and providing optimal care, you will cultivate a thriving garden. Patience and observation are key to nurturing your new plants into mature, flourishing specimens that will grace your outdoor space for years to come.