How to Plant Bare-Root Roses, Shrubs & Trees (and Why They’re Worth It!)

When winter settles in and most plants sleep beneath the soil, a quiet window of opportunity opens for gardeners: bare-root season. From November to early March, many roses, shrubs, hedging plants, and trees are available to buy bare-root - that is, lifted from the ground while dormant, without any soil around their roots.

If you haven’t worked with bare-root plants before, you’re in for a treat. They’re often better value, easier to transport and quicker to establish than their pot-grown equivalents. With a little preparation, they’ll reward you with strong, healthy growth come spring.

Here’s everything you need to know to plant them successfully.

Why Choose Bare-Root Plants?

• Better value: Bare-root plants are typically cheaper because growers don’t need to pot them up or store them in containers.

• Stronger root systems: Grown in the field, they often develop naturally robust, extensive roots.

• Environmentally friendly: No plastic pots, less compost and lower transport weight.

• Early establishment: Planted during dormancy, they settle into the soil before spring growth kicks in.

  
  

When Is the Best Time to Plant Bare-Root?

The bare-root planting season runs from late autumn through winter, whenever the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged. Ideally:

• November–February in mild winters

• Up to early March in colder areas of Scotland

Aim to plant as soon as possible after your plants arrive. If the ground is frozen, heel them in temporarily (more on that below).

Preparing Your Plants: Unpacking & Soaking

When your plants arrive:

1. Unwrap them immediately

Roots can dry out quickly. Keep them covered and moist.

2. Check the roots

Trim away any broken or damaged pieces with clean secateurs.

3. Soak before planting

Give the roots a good hour’s soak in a bucket of water. For roses, some gardeners add a splash of seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock.

Soaking the bare root rose in the water

If you can’t plant straight away…

• Wrap roots in damp packing material and keep them in a cool shed for a few days, or

• “Heel in” the plants: temporarily plant the roots in a trench of loose soil or compost to keep them moist.

  
  

How to Plant a Bare-Root Rose or Shrub

1. Prepare the planting hole

• Dig a hole wide enough so the roots can spread naturally - usually twice the width of the root system.

• Depth should allow the plant to sit at the same level it was in the nursery.

  For roses: Plant the graft union 5 cm below soil level (this helps prevent wind rock and protects the graft).

  
  

2. Improve the soil (if needed)

Mix some garden compost or well-rotted manure into the backfill soil. Avoid adding strong fertiliser directly to the hole - it can scorch young roots.

3. Spread out the roots

Set the plant in place and gently fan the roots outwards and downwards.

4. Backfill and firm

Fill the hole with your improved soil, gently firming as you go to remove air pockets. Don’t stomp with your heel - use gentle pressure with your hands.

5. Water well

Even in winter, water settles the soil and encourages root-to-soil contact.

6. Mulch

Add a 5–8 cm layer of mulch (compost, bark, leaf mould) around the plant, leaving a small gap around the stem.

Planting the bare root rose in the ground (please note, the graft should be 5cm below the ground level)

Planting Bare-Root Trees or Hedging

The process is similar but includes a few extra steps.

For trees:

• Install a stake before planting the tree to avoid damaging roots.

• Position the tree on the windward side of the stake for support.

• Tie using a soft tree tie.

  
  

For hedging plants:

• Dig a trench rather than individual holes.

• Space based on variety:

  • Single row: 30–45 cm apart

  • Double staggered row: 40 cm between rows, plants offset

Backfill, water well and mulch to suppress weeds along the hedge line.

Aftercare: Helping Your Bare-Root Plants Thrive

Watering:

• Winter-planted shrubs won’t need much, but still check during dry spells.

• Spring and summer are crucial water deeply once or twice per week in the first growing season.

Pruning:

• Roses: Cut back canes to 15–20 cm at planting to encourage strong basal growth.

• Shrubs/trees: Remove damaged branches only save structural pruning for the following winter.

Mulching: Top up mulch each spring to conserve moisture and feed the soil.

Planting bare-root roses, shrubs and trees is one of those traditional winter tasks that feels deeply satisfying - simple, cost-effective, and full of promise. A little care at planting time makes all the difference, and by spring you’ll see the rewards as fresh shoots emerge.

If you’re unsure what to plant or where, or want help designing a garden area for bare-root season, we’d be delighted to help, just get in touch!