An unscientific poll

I spoke with David from ToTT last night- you'll be shocked to learn that I ended up buying 3 instead of the two I'd intended...lol...

But he asked me some questions and I wasn't sure what to tell him; I said I'd take a little informal sampling from all the hibi lovers and buyers out there, and he was thrilled to have the input.

He's thinking about halving the size of the plants he sells. This would both reduce the cost of the plants, but more importantly, the cost of shipping, which can be prohibitive and he's lost customers because of it. I asked if he could offer both sizes, and he said no, because of the way he's set up, it's an either/or proposition, however he is now shipping bare root, which will cut back on the costs of the bigger plants.

So what's your verdict? Large and more expensive, or smaller and less expensive?

Just to be upfront, I said bigger, because he's the only place I know of to get that size and variety and I really appreciated having that resource.

Thanks- oh and Kell, he just addddores you! :)

I'd go with smaller and cheaper myself, I love ordering from Logee's and Kartuz with the 2.5" pots (although many I'm sure would argue that they still aren't cheap!), and when I'm at local nurseries I always try to buy stuff in 4" pots instead of gallons because generally the plants will catch up to the bigger ones pretty quick and you saved money on the way. But in reality, if it's a plant that I want and it's only available in the bigger more expensive size that won't stop me from buying it, but if I'm given a choice I'll take the smaller one.

I'd pick larger, because I'm impatient!! I want my blooms and I want them now! (LOL!)

Tough call, Tess. I bought bananas in 4" pots for $5 each and today they are fantastic looking at 3 ft tall. I thought that was a great deal

I've bought 4" hibiscus pots cheaply, and while they haven't died, they struggle and do not look anywhere as good as the hibiscus I've bought in 1 or 3 gal containers.

So, for hibiscuses I think bigger is better, but I'm not sure they make a good mailorder item as high shipping prices you out of the market.

That was my feeling; part of what you're paying for is someone else nurturing it through the very slow early growing process of the exotics, and you get to jump right into the 'good part'- blooms! lol...

I'd have to say larger too. I have bought the Logees hibiscus in the past and they take forever to reach a decent size. At my age time is not on my side!
David's plants are, in a word, perfect. A good size, healthy and usually full of big, fat buds.
Before I bought from him I researched other growers, particularily on the East coast, and find David's prices are about the same or lower than other growers and they are only offering 1 quart plants.
I've just ordered the bare root plants from David. I'll let you know how that works out.
alice

I also just ordered one and he will be shipping it Monday morning. So I will come back on Thursday and let you know what I think.

I like the idea of cheaper shipping for a smaller plant, I like the idea of getting a larger plant to.

So I will wait and give you a answer after I receive my new Black Dragon from him.

Linda

smaller is better if bare rooted to ship, they take the shock better than an adult plant with an established root system, just my point of view.. :-)

My black dragon from him is shipping Monday too, 2Pugs. I'm super excited, as I've been drooling over it for a while.

Ooops, I better have the bucket of Superthrive ready and waiting because I ordered mine barerooted.
David's prices on ebay are the same as his regular site but the shipping is so much cheaper. I think the input from this forum - via Kell - has already had an impact.

as fast as most of them grow I would rather smaller plant, cheaper plants

I also perfer smaller and cheaper as I can get several different and not just one.

Like the tropical co-op where the plugs were 2.00 or 2.50 a piece last year. I have one left out of 5 but I have learned since then.

I am not only old but spoiled too. I want instant gratification! :-)))))

I do too but if I can get 4 quart sdze for say 4.00 a piece instead of a 2 gal for 12 I would take quarts. My pocketbook makes me greedy I want several. I really don't want plugs but would take them to have the different assortment and not just one.

But most of the times the one I want is in a 3 gallon and not a 1. Lowes just got in my double off white (Elephant Ears) hib. And it is 17.96 not 12.96 like spring time and I missed out hoping they would get a 1 gallon for 6.00. I went back to the 2 that had the 3 gallon in the spring and they were gone. People on Ebay and other places say it is rare, butthis is the first year each of the 2 lowe's only had 1 3 gal each. I won't pay 17.96 not when I have seen a double white on the web. Pure white. But it is only a dream as it was 41/2 in pot for 35.00.

I am jealous of Judy's dollar finds and Kyle' 5.00 finds. :o( But I have had my share of great finds just not lately. OH yes when Tess came sown I did. and not just hib. I found her!!!! I can't wait till she comes back to see me. Just sitting talking and having a coke was as much fun or better than going to the nurseries.

Making new friends is the best part of DG!

Has anyone ordered from these folks? They are on the east coast and their prices and shipping seem reasonable to me. http://4unbelievablehibiscus.photosite.com/UNBELIEVABLEHIBISCUS/

alice

Alice that web site is great. Someone chime in if they have bought from this company before.

Alice, did you email for pricing & shipping? I didn't see it there.

When I was looking for additional pics of the Renaissance Blue I was thinking of ordering, I found these folks: http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/acatalog/8inch.htm

Has anybody had any experience with them? They aren't well rated in Dave's Watchdog, and their prices seem crazy high- like 2x a Touch of the Tropics for the same size plant, plus shipping! I mean, c'mon, I can be had, but I'm not crazy...lol.

If anybody's used them, I'm curious about them- did you think the price was justified? Were you satisfied?

I found the Hidden Valley web site too. I did not order from them as they seemed very expensive.

OK, I am going to have to do a bit of research; I found the info from that site the other day, now I can't see it. Hmmmmm, seem to have lost a bit of gray matter again. Will let you know when I find it.

hey, Alice- are you going to let us know when you find the site info? Or the lost gray matter?

ROFL...would you let me know if you find mine while you're at it? I'd appreciate it greatly...;)

Hi ordered from Hidden Valley Hibiscus, via their website, but haven't left my comment on the Watchdog yet. My experience with them could not have possibly been better. The plant was very healthy, just beautiful with three buds. Excellent packaging and shipment too. Their communication has been first rate too, as I've sent them a couple different emails asking a variety of questions. They may be a bit high-priced, but to me at least, it has been an extremely worthwhile experience ~ one I would not hesitate repeating.

I ordered from Strictly Hibiscus at the same time and they lost my order and sent my plants in "fair" condition, not very well packed. I had to send emails then leave two phone messages before I was able to reach anyone. To their credit though, once I finally got through, they were proactive. My plants didn't look real healthy when I planted them, but after some babying they are doing fine.

For anyone who lives in the Southern California area, Hidden Valley is having an open house this Saturday. I'm going, and I can hardly wait to see what they have! Hope this helps :-)