Plant Guide: Bareroot plants are just that - plants with little or no soil on the roots. They are not actively growing at this time ( November - April ). The roots are exposed rather then in pots. Plants that are barerooted should be planted asap. The roots should be kept moist at all times while exposed.

Bareroot plants may be dormant, but they are still alive and should be treated carefully. After receiving your plants prepare them for planting as soon as possible. If the roots are dry, poor some water over the roots to freshen up before planting. Never leave exposed roots in the Sun. Best of all is to try to be ready to plants as soon as the plants arrive. If it is not possible to plant immediately, then place the plants in a tub with good drainage holes, fill with compost that covers the roots to protect against the elements. They should be planted within a few days. They can also be dug into a hole in the ground until ready to plant. 

When you are ready to plant, you can soak the plants in water just before placing in the planting hole. Compost or peat moss can be incorporated into the native soil. It is not necessary to add fertiliser to the planting at this stage unless its rootgrow (Bonemeal).

If you are ready to plant then preparing not only the planting hole, but the plants are important. While preparing the planting hole, you may put the bareroot plants in a bucket with a small amount of water to moisten the roots before planting. Dig the hole as deep as the roots, place in the hole and fill in with your soil or compost. Once planted water, and do so every three or so days. 

Dense, bushy, evergreen shrub with large glossy, dark green leaves. It makes an excellent hedging plant, and can cope with deep shade under trees as well as full sun. Small white flowers are produced on spikes in mid-spring, followed by cherry red berries.

Position: full sun, partial shade or shade.

Rate of growth: fast-growing

Flowering period: April Flower colour: white

Other features: a very versatile hedging shrub

Hardiness: fully hardy

Prune in either spring or summer.

Mature plants can tolerate hard pruning in spring, cutting back to the old wood.

Eventual height: 

Plants are easily maintained at a smaller height and spread by annual trimming.