As soon as your bare root plants arrive, store them in a cooler if you’re not planting them immediately. Ideally, they should be planted immediately, but keeping them cool helps maintain dormancy if a delay is unavoidable. These plants have been carefully kept dormant during their journey from the Netherlands, and they’re ready to wake up and start growing. However, you don’t want them breaking dormancy before they’re in the ground which would lead to stressed plants and poor establishment. It is important to keep the roots enclosed in plastic to keep the humidity high and avoid desiccation.

Bare root shrubs can be planted directly in the ground or potted up temporarily. If your planting site isn’t ready and it will take more than a few days to prepare, pot them up and transplant them into the field later in summer or fall. Choose a pot between 2-4 quarts (0.5-1 gallon), depending on how long you intend to keep them in containers. A one gallon pot would be enough space to grow over the summer and plant into the final location in the fall.

When planting, ensure the shrub is set at the same depth it was previously growing - this should be easy to identify by looking at the plant. Roots go down, shoots go up. Avoid planting too deeply, as this can lead to stunted growth. The biggest risk at this stage is drying out, so minimize root exposure to air, plant into moist soil, and water heavily after transplanting.

Soaking the roots for 30-60 minutes before planting can help ensure they are well-hydrated. Maintain high soil moisture levels through mid-summer, and be prepared to irrigate during dry periods. This first growing season is critical for establishment. Refer to the individual product descriptions on our website for recommended plant spacing.

If you are initially potting up your plants, use a high-quality potting mix with some native soil mixed in. Be sure to include nutrients through well-aged compost or pelleted fertilizer. While the plants won’t need immediate feeding, they’ll require nutrients to sustain growth throughout the season if left in containers for several months.

For best results, consider setting up automatic irrigation. Even with the best intentions, summer gets busy, and watering can easily be forgotten. A single line of drip irrigation over your row of pots ensures consistent moisture when your focus is elsewhere.

Winterberry Holly is dioecious, meaning male and female plants are separate. We ship one male plant for every ten females, and male plants are clearly marked. For best pollination and berry production, plant the male in the middle of the row or cluster of female plants.

These varieties will arrive in 4” pots (not bareroot) and can be planted directly in the ground or potted up if your planting site isn't ready. If you anticipate a delay of more than a few days, potting them up is the best option, with a 2-4 quart (0.5-1 gallon) pot recommended based on how long they will remain in containers. A one gallon pot would be enough space to grow over the summer and plant into the final location in the fall. 

Regardless of where you plant, ensure the bare root plants are positioned at the same depth they were previously growing, not too deeply or this can stunt growth. Moisture is crucial at this stage, so plant in moist soil and water regularly after transplanting. These plants will not be as stressed as bare-rooted plants and should resume growth quickly when the conditions allow. Do not allow the soil to dry out while the plants remain dormant and increase frequency of irrigation after they begin actively growing (at which point you can also start fertilizing). Maintain consistent moisture through the growing season and be prepared to irrigate during dry spells. This first growing season is key to successful establishment.

Unlike our other woody plants, Hydrangeas cannot be imported directly from the Netherlands. These were grown in Maryland using Kolster genetics that underwent an extensive quarantine process before being propagated domestically. As a result, they may be more advanced in growth. Handle new growth carefully, and don’t be alarmed if some leaves are lost in transit—new shoots will emerge quickly. P

Please note that all hydrangeas have been grown in 4” pots but the top growth varies in size due to differences between cultivars. Do not fret if you receive what appear to be small hydrangea plants - these fast growing shrubs have strong roots and will grow vigorously after planting. 

These bare root perennials were dug last autumn and stored at near-freezing temperatures over winter. They are ready to grow upon arrival! You may see some early sprouting in the bag—this is completely normal. When planting, position the crown slightly below the soil surface, spreading the roots evenly in the hole. Water thoroughly after planting. Astilbe requires consistently moist soil, even after establishment, so regular watering is essential. A well-prepared, moisture-retentive planting site will ensure the best performance.

These are the smallest bare roots we have offered, but they are vigorous and will establish quickly after planting. Plant them directly in the ground, or if you are unable to do so for longer than a couple of days, plant them into a 2-4 quart pot with good quality soil until you are able to plant them out. Position the root so that it is entirely buried in soil with just the new growths emerging. Tender new growth should be protected from frost, although any damage done early in the season will act like a ‘pinch’ and lateral shoots will develop in their place. Water frequently while the roots become established.