What plants did you have in mind, Jill? I just took delivery of some iris rhizomes, described as "bare-root" plants, and I can't say I was very impressed. It seems a little late in the year to be getting anything bare-rooted.

I am not sure what bare root plants are, I am sure Bamboo commented on a query similar to this a while back and I think although cant be sure that bare root plants are planted in the autumn. I ordered some Rhodohypoxis Deflexa 7 in total at a cost of £83.93 from crocus in Feb. I thought for that price they would have had a few shoots but they came with nothing showing at all. I emailed the company and they said to wait to plant them until May, 2 months later still no shoots so I am considering e-mailing crocus to complain, so I would be careful what your ordering.

It depends on the plant Marion, bare rooted (i.e. not in a pot and with no soil around them) roses are generally sent out around now. Also are you sure what you ordered was Rhodohypoxis deflexa? Rhodohypoxis is a South African bulbous alpine plant with grassy leaves and star-shaped flowers and a corm-like root, it only grows to around 5cm in height. It would not be sold as 'bare rooted' and certainly would not cost anything like the price you paid Edrom sells them for around £3 per corm.

I have bought bare root shrubs, trees and perennials. for trees and shrubs you pop them in the ground and add earth and fertiliser and water. You do need to keep the soil moist for a year.

Perennials - you get a 10cm of root and stalk and stick that into the ground/pot and add soil, fertiliser and water as per above. I prefer pots as the soil is warmer an I can keep slugs away from tender shoots.

Pro -
1. you can get a quantity of plants cheaply.
2. no bruising of plant leaves/snapped branches in post
3. they establish quickly and root into local conditions

Cons -
1. They may fail to take (but normally supplier will refund)
2. Only really should sell bare root between early winter and early spring. So Nov/Dec-Mar/Apr.
3. Planting a dead looking stick in your garden does look odd but they come to life quite quickly.

I would say go for it.

Just to add - bare rooted plants are slower at producing new leaves than there established brethren. The plant is focusing on producing roots to support new leaves.

thanks MG, I have a feeling that I have been completely ripped off! I have just checked my order history with crocus and the tag in the plant pots and its definately Rhodoypoxis Deflexa. They were £11.99 each I ordered them in Feb and I emailed them at the time to ask when to plant as there was no growth at all. They said after there is no chance of frost, so I have kept them in a frost free environment and still no growth, I have just e-mailed them to complain as I think for £11.99 there should be a little bit of something by now.

Are these complete pots full of Rhodohypoxis Marion rather than one bulb/corm? If so you probably have 20 in each pot. What you ordered and received was not 'bare rooted' but plants in a pot - which I would expect for Rhodohypoxis. It is a bit early for them to be showing any leaves yet and they don't flower for another 2 months i.e. late June/July time. Personally I'd get them all into the ground.

"Perennials '80 Bargain Perennials Collection'
Hardy Perennial
Customer Review Rating
Perfect for filling gaps in borders, this collection of hardy flowering perennials is exceptional value for money! A range of the most popular varieties provides a spectrum of different size, habit and colour to fill your garden for many years of pleasure. Plants packed separately. Collection comprises 4 bareroot plants each of: Coneflower, Aquilegia, Gypsophila Rosea, Hollyhock, Chinese Lantern, Lupin, Red Hot Poker, Sea Holly, Delphinium, Liatris".

Thanks everyone, this was the deal from Van meuwen. (29.80) but I had a voucher from groupon £12 for £30 worth of plants so I'm thinking nothing to lose really! I wish I could plant them and they all flowered immediately though! Thanks again for the advice and Marion...Good luck. x

Kildermorie...Thanks for your advice..all is much clearer now!

I have bought a few packs of bare rooted perennials from them (actually from Thompson and Morgan - they are the same company). All are coming up. Put the Red Hot Poke down vertically rather than horizontally as I tried 2 ways and vertical works best. Delphinums are best in post till they are large enough as slugs just go for the kill, same for Lupin and Hollyhock. Liatris come as a corm so you can plant them straight out.