bare-root

adjective

of a plant

: having roots cleared of soil in preparation for transplanting

Buying bare-root roses in midwinter has several advantages—the young roses are fully dormant with small, less-developed root systems and can be transplanted with less damage …—

Elinor Teague, Fresno Bee, 16 Dec. 2011

While you can plant potted peonies anytime during the growing season, if you are buying bare-root plants (and you probably are) they must be planted in the fall.—

Craig Summers Black, Better Homes and Gardens, August 2000

also : relating to or producing bare-root plants

a bare-root nursery

Bare-root season is short because trees are dug and shipped while dormant. —

Emely Lincowski, Sunset, December 1992