Want to get a head start on your garden this winter? January is the perfect time to plant bare-root perennials – dormant plants sold without soil that are established quickly and cost less than potted varieties.
These budget-friendly beauties arrive with healthy roots ready for planting, as long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.
Let’s explore 12 stunning perennials you can plant this month to create a spectacular display of colors and textures in your garden come spring and summer.
1. Hardy Geranium
These easy-care plants create brilliant ground cover with hundreds of varieties to choose from. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Once established, these tough perennials need minimal watering and will reward you with vivid blooms from early summer through fall in zones 3-11.
2. Peony
These show-stopping flowers produce spectacular blooms that can last for decades. Plant them in an area with plenty of sunlight and some afternoon shade. They flourish in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil in zones 3-8 and can live for up to a century with proper care.
3. Russian Sage
This drought-tolerant beauty produces lavender-like flowers with silvery-gray foliage. Growing 2-5 feet tall, it attracts pollinators and thrives in full sun. Perfect for zones 4-9, these fragrant shrubs need well-draining soil and very little water once established.
4. Astilbe
These dramatic plants feature tall, feathery plumes that attract pollinators. They adapt well to both sun and shade conditions in zones 3-8. Their stunning flower spikes reach 1-3 feet in height, making them perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.
5. Bleeding Heart
These charming plants produce distinctive heart-shaped blooms perfect for shaded areas. They perform beautifully in zones 3-8 and prefer rich, moist soil. Their unique flowers add a romantic touch to any garden setting.
6. Columbine
These delicate beauties offer nodding blooms in various vibrant colors. They adapt easily to zones 3-9 and thrive in full sun or partial shade. Their graceful flowers dance above fern-like foliage, creating a magical display in spring.
7. Daylily
These reliable bloomers produce flowers that last just one day, but plants bloom continuously. They excel in zones 3-9 and prefer sunny locations. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
8. Phlox
These cottage garden favorites burst into colorful flower panicles. They thrive in sunny spots with rich, moist soil in zones 3-9. Regular deadheading extends their blooming period throughout the season.
9. Lamb’s Ear
This drought-tolerant ground cover offers soft, silvery foliage and purple blooms. It performs well in zones 4-8 and prefers full sun. The fuzzy leaves add wonderful texture to garden borders.
10. Veronica
These plants produce striking spiky blooms in purple, pink, and blue. They flourish in zones 3-11 and prefer sunny, well-drained locations. Their vertical flower spikes add architectural interest to garden designs.
11. Agapanthus
These striking plants produce beautiful globes of blue or white flowers. They’re particularly well-suited for container growing and make excellent focal points. Their dramatic blooms create stunning summer displays.
12. Hydrangea
These beloved shrubs offer cloud-like blooms that transform your garden. They perform best in partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Available in various colors, they provide long-lasting beauty from summer through fall.
Planting Tips for Success
Before planting your bare-root perennials, soak the roots in water for a couple of hours. If your ground is frozen or waterlogged, pot them temporarily in compost until conditions improve.
Plant at the same depth they were grown at the nursery, and water well after planting.
These bare-root perennials offer an economical way to create a stunning garden. With proper care, they’ll reward you with years of beautiful blooms and foliage.
Remember to check your specific hardiness zone and provide appropriate growing conditions for each plant variety you choose.
