Now that the dormancy period is here and the bare root planting season is in full swing we though it would be a great time to highlight out top 10 bare root plants! These are just a few of our favourite varieties known for their benefits to wildlife, seasonal interest and importance in hedges across the British Isles.

10. Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

9. Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)

Guelder rose has dark green, maple-like leaves that turn pink and red in autumn. It produces flat clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and bright red berries in autumn. The berries provide excellent food for birds.

8. Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

The Wild crab apple has dark green leaves and a stunning display of pink-tinged white flowers in spring. In autumn, it bears greenish-yellow fruits flushed with red. Its flowers attract bees, and its berries provide food for birds. It is a great choice for seasonal interest!

7. Spindleberry (Euonymus europaeus)

Spindleberry has green leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn. It produces small flowers in spring, followed by red fruits that split open to reveal bright orange seeds. Its vibrant colours add seasonal interest, while its flowers and berries attract wildlife.

6. Field maple (Acer campestre)

Field maple is a must-have for mixed planting schemes. Its palmate green leaves turn rich shades of red and gold in autumn. Small greenish flowers in spring develop into winged fruits, dispersed by the wind. Adaptable and full of seasonal interest, it’s ideal for hedging, screening, or as a stand-alone tree.

5. Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Hazel has rounded green leaves that turn yellow in autumn, long yellow catkins in early spring, and edible nuts later in the year. It supports biodiversity by providing food and habitat for wildlife like squirrels. Hazel also responds well to coppicing, helping create a diverse woodland structure.

4. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Blackthorn is a thorny tree with a dense, rounded crown and suckering tendencies. New shoots emerge from its roots, forming a thick, impenetrable thicket. Combined with its thorny branches, it makes an excellent boundary hedge and effective intruder deterrent.

3. Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Dog rose has long, arching branches with sharp thorns, large fragrant pink-white flowers in spring, and bright red berries in autumn. Often seen in British hedgerows, it’s ideal as a natural intruder deterrent and a great choice for attracting wildlife to borders and beds.

2. Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

Common dogwood is a fast-growing shrub with an upright, bushy habit. Its green leaves turn rich red in autumn, and its young red stems add colour in winter. It is a great choice for strong seasonal interest.

1. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

A key component of native hedgerows, Hawthorn is easily our top bare root pick. Its dense growth and sharp thorns make it an effective natural barrier, while its autumn berries provide a valuable food source for birds!

Since bare root plants are supplied without pots or compost, they cost up to 70% less than those grown in containers. Their lower weight also means cheaper delivery charges too!

Successfully establishing a newly planted tree or hedge is much easier during the bare root season as the ground is moist and the temperature is cooler. If you get your bare root trees in the ground now, your trees will be ready to flourish when the weather starts to warm up next Spring/Summer.

Hopefully you got some inspiration from our top 10 bare root plants, please contact us if you have any more questions. We’re always happy to help!

Read more from King & Co:

1. Bare Root Planting Tips: How to establish a native hedge on a tight budget

2. What is a Native Hedge?

3. How Do Accessories Protect Bare Root Plants?

4. How to Plant Bare Root Hedging and Trees: A Beginners Guide