Bare root perennials are plants that are grown in open ground and presented with no soil or compost around the roots, and very little top growth. These plants are dug up ready to be planted in the colder dormant season between November and March and will burst into growth and life as the spring and early summer occur.

Why plant Bare Root Perennials?

Bare root plants as with lots of rhizomes tend to be more cost-effective than pot-grown plants and often also present a more established, larger clump of roots which will continue to develop over the winter, giving the plant a real boost of growth as the weather thaws.

Once you’ve bought your bare root, you’ll have the choice to plant them out if the winter is particularly mild, or plant them into pots to establish them during winter, and plant them out in the spring – this makes it easier to look after the young plants and means you could move them if required in harsh winters.

Planting them into pots also promotes root growth in softer compost and protects the young plants against weeds, pests and so forth. You can then harden them off before planting them out in the spring.

Depending on which variety you choose, these perennials can thrive in full sun and sunny spots around your garden, or in shade, are often drought tolerant and like moist soil once replanted to help the individual bare roots take hold in their new situation.

Bare root perennials can be planted in several different ways including into moist open ground soil, pots and planter boxes.

What varieties does Gee Tee sell?

Gee Tee stocks a wide variety of bare root perennials including white and blue Agapanthus, Lily of the Valley, Helleborus, Kniphofia Uvaria, and Peonies.