05/02/2026
Let’s talk about bareroot shrubs!
When shrubs are in dormancy, they can take weeks to months to wake up and leaf out. They will look dead, you may think they are goners but be patient. This is especially true in colder zones (like ours) when wild temperature swings are still happening.
Some shrubs need consistent warm soil temperatures before they break dormancy. If shrubs grow long tap roots, they could often times be putting all their energy into developing a strong root system before leafing out.
If in doubt if the shrub is dormant or dead, you can lightly scrape the top cambium layer at the base to see if there is green underneath. If there is, your shrub is alive and well and patience will be rewarded once it decides it’s the right time to wake up!
This is a general timeline but results may vary depending upon variety and Mother Nature!
