Bare root plants: the complete guide

Why choose bare root plants?

Bare root plants are sold without soil around their roots. They're lighter, cheaper and often more vigorous than their potted counterparts. When planting a hedge or several fruit trees the savings really add up. Garden centres and RHS-approved nurseries stock them as soon as autumn arrives.

With GardenWorld you can preview how plants will look in your actual garden. Particularly handy when you're torn between a beech hedge and a privet hedge, because the visual difference is bigger than you'd expect.

The right planting season

Bare root plants should only be planted during dormancy: November through early March. The exposed roots dry out quickly, so act fast after purchase. Ideally plant within 24 to 48 hours. Can't manage that? Heel them in temporarily by burying the roots in a trench of moist soil.

Avoid planting during frost. Frozen ground damages vulnerable roots and makes digging near impossible. Wait for a frost-free spell with mild temperatures.

Preparing the roots

Inspect the roots before planting. Trim any damaged or broken roots at an angle with sharp secateurs. This encourages new root tip formation. Stand the plants in a bucket of water for a few hours so the roots absorb moisture. Some gardeners add a splash of mycorrhizal solution for an extra boost.

Making a root dip

A traditional technique involves dipping roots in a slurry of clay, manure and water. This protects against drying out and provides a nutrient kick. Not mandatory, but highly effective for roses and fruit trees.

Planting step by step

Dig a generous hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably. They must not be folded or compressed. Build a small mound at the bottom and drape the roots over it.

Fill the hole layer by layer, gently lifting the plant up and down as you go. This works soil between the roots and prevents air pockets. The graft point or crown should sit level with the surrounding ground.

Firm the soil and water generously straight away. For hedging, plant in a straight line at a spacing that depends on the species, typically 3 to 5 plants per metre.

First-year care

Water is everything. Keep the soil moist during dry spells, even in winter and early spring. The roots need moisture to establish. Feeding isn't necessary in the first season if you prepared the soil well with compost.

Check regularly that wind hasn't loosened the plants. In exposed gardens this can be a real problem. Firm the soil again if needed. Mulching around the base prevents drying out and suppresses weeds.

First prune

For hedging plants, cut back a third of the height immediately after planting. It sounds drastic, but it stimulates branching at the base. Skip this step and you'll end up with a hedge that's bare at the bottom.

Advantages over potted plants

Bare root plants often establish faster than potted ones. The roots haven't spiralled inside a container and spread directly into the surrounding soil. They're also cheaper, which matters enormously when you need dozens of hedging plants.

The downside is the limited planting window. Potted plants go in year-round; bare root only in winter. So plan your garden project ahead of time.

Which plants come bare root?

The list is longer than you might think. Beech, hornbeam, hawthorn, privet, field maple, roses and most fruit trees are all readily available bare root. Conifers and evergreens are rarely sold this way because they retain their foliage and lose too much moisture.

Curious how your garden will look with a new hedge or fruit trees? Find out at gardenworld.app and plan your planting scheme down to the last detail.