rookie mistake*** bare root plant questions

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beyondink Lynchburg, VA Feb 09, 2009

Ok I made a huge rookie mistake, I got soo excited about getting some plants that I completely forgot about what to do with them once I got them. I bought some bare root Red Osier Dogwoods and two Nanking Cherries. Everything I read has said to go ahead and plant them now (im in zone 7) sense they are dormant, and they will be ready for spring. That way their roots grow causing less stress when the leaves come back in. Makes sense to me and I can do that right away with my nankings.. the problem lies in the dogwoods. I want to put them in my front bed, the bed that I am planning on extending and moving some stuff around. I think these two may go in place of some dieing bushes. What should I do with them until I am able to plant them? Should I use some pots and plant them outside in containers until I can plant them? That way they will atleast be accustomed to the area? Thanks soo much for your help!

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Feb 09, 2009

While we were finishing up building our house, I bought some trees I just couldn't pass up :-} I put them in pots large enough for the roots to fit comfortably. We did still have a little cold weather left so I put them where they would get plenty of sun and piled wheat straw all around the pots to help keep the roots warm. They all survived until I was able to get them in the ground.

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Feb 10, 2009

I would NOT risk planting them in the ground now! You are not that far away from my neighborhood and the night time temp's have been extreme for this Winter here in our part of Virginia. I would hold off a while longer before planting them outside but that's totally up to you. Alot of my starter tree's and some bushe's that we planted earlier last Spring are not looking well at all and they had gotten a tremendous start via the growing month's. We had way too many continuous cold night's here for some reason or another.


Rachel

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claypa West Pottsgrove, PA(Zone 6b) Feb 10, 2009

I don't know about the cherry, but red osier dogwoods are extremely hardy, maybe zone 2? They will have no problem in a container until spring.

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pennefeather McLean, VA(Zone 6b) Feb 10, 2009

Beware of deer! I planted some when I lived in Connecticut, and they never really got to grow because the deer enjoyed them so much.

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NatureLover1950 Vicksburg, MS(Zone 8a) Feb 10, 2009

True pennefeather. I think deer love all dogwoods. I have one down by the creek that's been there for two years now and still inside a fence. The deer have bent the cage up this winter trying to get to the tree.

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