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Bare root quince tree?

RainyDayRainyDay Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this forum, so I hope I’m asking my question in the right section!  But I wonder if anyone can help me.

We brought a bare root quince tree, and some bare root apples and pears that arrived today.  The apples and pears look healthy, and you can see leaves starting to form on them already.  The quince though, is completely bare.  I can’t see any sign of life, although the roots seem supple.  I’m hoping this is just because it’s a different type of tree, but I’m feeling nervous because we’ve had a bad experience buying a tree recently.  We spent quite a bit of money on a mature Red Robin Photinia which died.  I think it was delivered in a bad state, but we struggled on with it for months, until we finally had to admit defeat.  That was very disappointing, and so when I saw the quince today, I got worried!

Also, the instructions say to soak the roots in a bucket of water for 24 hours before planting but I see on GW and RHS they say to plant on the day of delivery. 

Any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanks all!


Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    edited May 2021
    Nobody should be selling bare root plants at this time of year. Where did you get them from? I would give them a 24 hour soak as suggested then plant out.
  • RainyDayRainyDay Posts: 4
    Ah thanks.  Oh dear.  I had no idea.  Clearly still learning!!   
  • RainyDayRainyDay Posts: 4
    Ah. Thanks for the response.  I brought them from Gardening Express, who are an online company.  I have brought from them before about a year ago, including a bottle brush tree which is thriving.  So I was happy with my last order, but am worried about this one.  It's unfortunate that we also had problems with the last tree we brought from a different company that we've recently had to dig up, but that's another story!    Out of interest, when would quince trees normally be dormant, and when would they wake up?  As I say, the quince looks completely bare, but the apple trees are already trying to grow leaves!
  • RainyDayRainyDay Posts: 4
    Ah thanks for the photos, that's helpful.  And yes, I've just seen some of the reviews.  Unfortunately, because I had a good experience the last time I ordered, I didn't check this time.  I think I got excited because I've wanted to get a Quince Tree for ages!  But lesson learned.  I have only just subscribed to Gardener's World, but have learned a lot already.  My knowledge was non-existent before, so your help is appreciated!
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    It is possible it has been kept refrigerated and may be ok, although it may not do much this year.  Only time will tell. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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