The term ‘Bare root plants’ pertains to a woody perennial that has been dug up from its original nursery bed once it has entered dormancy and dropped its leaves. Dormancy lasts from late fall through mid to late spring. The dormant plant is stored and shipped without any soil around its roots. They have no leaves and are in a state of hibernation. These plants require their roots to stay moist and unfrozen, but otherwise are incredibly tough. They handle the shock of shipping and transplanting much better than plants with leaves that are awake during the growing season.

Plants are shipped in early spring between mid March and late April. This all depends on what is happening weather-wise at the nursery. Plants are dug up, packaged and shipped in the early spring. Out here in the interior of British Columbia, several factors determine our shipping time including temperature, snowpack, precipitation, and seasonal events like flooding, blizzards and other gifts from the weather gods. The latest we can ship plants is just before they begin to leaf out, which happens at the latest at the end of April in our Climate. We will send an email when your package has been shipped.

That’s just what dormant plants are, sticks with roots. Though they may not look very appealing, shipping, transporting and planting woody perennials when they are dormant is the best practice to ensure no damage occurs to the plant and they take to their new home appropriately. Through May you will begin to see buds set and open up to reveal little solar panel leaves that will help the plant establish itself.

1) Once you receive your bare root plants they need to be soaked in water immediately! Though they are safe in the wet sawdust they are placed in during shipping it is critical to not let the roots dry out any more than necessary once you have received your plants. Place roots in a bucket of water for 24 hours and promptly remove and place back into wet sawdust or soil to avoid problems until you can plant them.

2) Plant as soon as you can! Pick a spot for your new plants. Get the help of some friends, and dig generously large holes you can safely place the root balls in without cramping or twisting any roots. Take the plants you have re-hydrated in a bucket of water and place into their new home by firmly packing soil around them and giving the soil a good soaking. Add any soil amendments (like compost, minerals, or fertilizers) to the soil surface around the plant, but not into the hole. Add a thick layer of mulch (straw, wood chips, sawdust, shredded organic matter). Make sure to add a nice identifiable plant label or take notes of the planting location.

3) Even if outside temperatures are freezing and the soil surface is frozen the plants will be happier in the ground than above. They survived all winter like this. The plants will decide to wake up when the time is right. Otherwise you can pot up your new bare root plants until you find a permanent home, in at least a 1 gallon pot or larger.