Bare Root plants

[Worldgoingmad]

I'm constantly receiving emails from Suttons etc advertising deals on bare root plans (like agapanthus). Is there any point getting these at this time of year and if so what would I do with them as I don't have a greenhouse?

I've had some success with some bare root perennials before but I think I planted them straight out in either spring or autumn and they've taken a year to two to mature.

Advice welcome please!

I always stock up on bare root perennials. I find they do take a year or two to really get going but I just see that as the price to pay for cheaper plants. As for agapanthus it depends where you live, they're hardy down to about -5° so if your winters get colder than that I'd pot them up so they could be moved to a shed/garage etc over winter. When you get them I'd just pot them up either in the pots they'll be staying in or until probably autumn then plant out in the final position. I've never really had luck with agapanthus.

@TheOpalReader thank you, that's really helpful. I've not had luck with agapanthus either, although I do love them. I quite like getting a few bargains that I can experiment with though.

Sorry to be dim, but if I have bare roots arriving in the next couple of weeks should I pot them up and keep them in a cool room inside rather than outside when we're still having frost? Apologies for the further questioning!

I love them too! Such a shame as they're beautiful aren't they. Oh I know, I love the end of season bargain plant buying, especially the no label pots at garden centres they're always fun.

No worries at all, as long as they are hardy varieties I'd pot them up and leave them outside. If they aren't fully hardy then yes a cool room would be good. Also if you know where you want them to go you could always plant the hardy plants straight in to the garden as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. Another tip is to soak the bare roots for a good few hours before planting them out either in the ground or pots. I think it helps get them going.