13 Bare Root Trees and Shrubs Worth Buying This Month

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Apple Trees

Bare root apple trees are an excellent choice for planting this month, as the dormant period is ideal for establishing strong roots. These trees can thrive in a variety of soil types, provided the ground is well-drained. When planting, ensure that the tree receives full sunlight to help it grow healthy and produce fruit in the coming years.

Apple trees come in several varieties, each offering a unique flavor and texture. Popular options include the sweet Fuji, the tart Granny Smith, and the crisp Gala. These trees are low-maintenance once established but will need regular watering and pruning to keep them healthy. If you are looking for a reliable tree that will provide an abundant harvest, apple trees are a solid choice for bare root planting this month.

Peach Trees

Peach trees are another great addition to any garden, especially when planted as bare roots during this time. These trees grow best in full sun and require well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging. Once planted, they begin to develop strong root systems, which will support their rapid growth. Peach trees are relatively easy to care for, but they do need some attention to prevent diseases like peach leaf curl.

These trees are also great for attracting pollinators, which can help improve your harvest. They typically bear fruit in early summer, with sweet and juicy peaches that are perfect for fresh eating or preserving. If you are looking for a tree that produces fruit quickly, a bare root peach tree will not disappoint.

Cherry Trees

Bare root cherry trees are fantastic for those who want to enjoy fresh fruit in their backyard. These trees require plenty of sunlight and prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Once planted, cherry trees are relatively low-maintenance, but regular pruning is essential to ensure healthy growth and prevent disease. Sweet cherries, like Bing, are great for fresh eating, while tart varieties, such as Montmorency, are perfect for pies and preserves.

Cherry trees usually take a few years to bear fruit, but with patience, they reward gardeners with beautiful blossoms in spring and an abundance of fruit in summer. These trees are also a great addition to ornamental gardens, as they provide year-round interest with their stunning blooms and vibrant foliage.

Plum Trees

Plum trees are another excellent option for bare root planting this month. These trees are well-suited for a variety of climates, as they thrive in both colder and warmer regions. When choosing a plum tree, consider whether you want a European variety, such as the Damson, or an American variety like the Stanley. European plums are perfect for making jams and jellies, while American varieties are best for fresh eating.

Plum trees are relatively hardy, but they do require regular watering, especially during dry spells. They also benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead wood and encourage better fruit production. With proper care, a bare root plum tree can be a rewarding addition to your garden.

Raspberry Bushes

If you are looking for a shrub that will produce an abundance of fruit year after year, raspberry bushes are a fantastic choice. These bare root plants are best planted this month, as they will establish strong roots before the growing season. Raspberries thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect addition to any garden.

They are low-maintenance and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Once established, raspberry bushes can produce fruit for several years, with summer-bearing varieties offering an early harvest and ever-bearing varieties providing fruit into fall. With a bit of care, raspberry bushes can provide a steady supply of fresh berries for jam-making, desserts, or snacking.

Blackberry Bushes

Bare root blackberry bushes are a great option if you want to enjoy homegrown berries. These plants are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of climates. Blackberry bushes prefer full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate slightly acidic conditions. They are also known for their vigorous growth and will quickly fill up space in your garden.

Once planted, these bushes will produce sweet, juicy blackberries in late summer to early fall. They are easy to care for, requiring occasional pruning to remove dead canes and keep the plant healthy. Whether you enjoy them fresh or use them for preserves, blackberry bushes are a great investment for your garden this month.

Lilacs

Lilacs are a classic choice for gardeners who want a fragrant, low-maintenance shrub. These bare root shrubs are perfect for planting this month as they establish their roots before the growing season. Lilacs prefer well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and thrive in full sun. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases.

Lilacs bloom in late spring, offering stunning clusters of flowers in shades of purple, white, and pink. Their fragrance is a signature scent of early summer, making them a popular choice for ornamental gardens. If you are looking for a shrub that provides both beauty and fragrance, lilacs are a wonderful addition to your garden.

Forsythia

Forsythia is a reliable and cheerful shrub that brings vibrant yellow blooms in early spring. Planting bare root forsythia this month ensures it will establish its roots before the growing season begins. These shrubs thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Forsythia is known for its fast-growing nature, making it an excellent choice for filling up space in your garden.

It requires minimal care once established, but it benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape. Forsythia flowers early in the spring, offering a burst of color that brightens up the garden after winter. If you want a shrub that provides an early-season color display, forsythia is a great choice.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular shrubs, known for their large, showy blooms that change color depending on the soil’s pH. Planting bare root hydrangeas this month ensures that they will develop strong roots in time for the growing season. These shrubs thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial to full shade, making them ideal for areas that do not receive full sunlight.

Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning to keep them healthy. They bloom in mid to late summer, producing large clusters of flowers in shades of pink, blue, or white. With their long-lasting blooms and ability to adapt to different soil conditions, hydrangeas are a must-have for any garden.

Spirea

Spirea is a versatile shrub that offers beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. These bare root plants are great for planting this month, as they will have plenty of time to establish their roots before the warmer months. Spirea thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. They are known for their colorful flowers, which range from pink to white and bloom in late spring to early summer.

Spirea is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance shrub. These shrubs also have attractive foliage that changes color in the fall, adding interest to your garden year-round. Whether used as a border or a focal point, spirea is a great addition to any garden.

Dogwood Trees

Dogwood trees are a wonderful addition to any garden, especially during the winter months when planted as bare roots. These trees are known for their beautiful spring blooms, which come in shades of white, pink, and red. Dogwoods thrive in partial shade and prefer well-drained, moist soil. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in a variety of climates, although they perform best in cooler regions.

In addition to their stunning flowers, dogwoods offer attractive red berries in the fall and vibrant foliage that turns a rich purple in the cooler months. Regular pruning will help maintain their shape and encourage better flowering. If you want a tree that offers seasonal beauty throughout the year, a bare root dogwood tree is a great option for planting this month.

Evergreen Holly

Evergreen holly shrubs are a great choice for those looking for year-round interest in their gardens. These shrubs are hardy and well-suited for a variety of climates. Hollies thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They are especially popular for their glossy green leaves and bright red berries, which are a striking addition to the winter landscape.

Planting a bare root holly this month ensures the shrub will have plenty of time to establish strong roots before the growing season. Hollies also act as excellent hedges, providing privacy and wind protection. With their attractive appearance and low-maintenance care, evergreen holly shrubs are a fantastic option for gardeners.

Azaleas

Azaleas are popular shrubs known for their vibrant and showy flowers. These bare root plants are perfect for planting this month, as they need time to establish their roots before the growing season. Azaleas prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil and thrive in partial shade. These shrubs are relatively low-maintenance, although they do require regular watering during dry spells.

Azaleas bloom in early spring, with a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, and white. They are a great addition to both formal gardens and more natural landscapes, adding bursts of color to shaded areas. With proper care, azaleas can thrive for many years, providing seasonal beauty to your garden.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.