Bare Root is the term for perennials shipped soil-free with only the roots. This includes bulbs, tubers, and corms, depending on the kind of plant. The plant is still alive and healthy, and will sprout after planting as ground temperatures warm above freezing.
Shipping this way reduces weight and costs at a time when our plants are dormant and best-acclimated for the transition from our nursery to your garden. This saves on shipping costs and reduces our carbon footprint by saving space and gas used to ship our plants. Planting in fall and spring is ideal for many perennials. Fall planting gives perennials time to establish roots before spring whenever ground temperatures are above freezing. Spring planting is early enough that perennials have not yet produced shoots and leaves, and late enough that they can be planted when soil temperatures and weather are ideal for gardening!
Orders should be planted on arrival or stored in a refrigerator for a short period. Our spring shipping dates reflect the ideal time when surface soil is no longer frozen, but before plants begin to break dormancy. Our fall dates reflect when plants are starting to go dormant, but the ground is still warm enough to plant. We include instructions in each shipment for best practices for each type of plant.
Our shipping dates change year to year. Fall shipping begins in early October. Spring shipping begins in March.

At this time we are located in Boone, NC. Our home base is in West Jefferson, NC.
Our current operation is too small to accommodate visitors at this time. Long-term we are hoping to have a location appropriate for retail and visitors.
Our online store shows plants available for purchase during Bare Root shipping periods. Otherwise, contact us by email at sales@bugloversnativeplants.com for questions about specific availability or for any species not listed in our store.

Between March 23rd and April 22nd, 2026. Orders are shipped in batches each week based on time of order, regional weather, and planting times based on the destination location.
For preorders, within a few days after your order is placed, you will receive an email detailing the week you should expect your order.
If you will not be available to receive your order, or if you would like to change your shipment date, please let us know as soon as possible.
Your order may be shipped UPS or USPS. You will receive an email at time of shipping with a tracking number and expected date of delivery.
Each type of plant is packaged in a barely moist, soil-free, light-weight biodegradable material made of coconut coir or peat, wrapped in a bag of industrially compostable material. Our shipping times ensure that roots will not dry out or risk exposure from extreme temperatures. Our packing is made of clean, reused or biodegradable materials.
We can accommodate requests within a reasonable timeframe. If you know your preferred date at time of order, please include it in the order’s comments section and/or email bugloversnativeplants@gmail.com with your request.
We charge a flat $10.00 fee per order, regardless of size. Larger orders save more on shipping!
We do not have pickup dates at this time, but we are working hard to make this an option in the future!

Frequently asked questions.