Comments regarding Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra)

Can the crime wave be over?
The woman running this operation would have made Bernie Madoff proud.
A complete scam and total ripoff from beginning to end.
One woman crime wave, that's for sure.
I purchased tree peonies from her through eBay (NEVER EVER BUY ANY PLANTS/ SEEDS/ BULBS from eBay) for $150.
Months later I received some dead twigs in the mail, literally something from your compost pile.
When I complained the criminal offered to resend fresh stock the following year.
The following year I received nothing and upon contacting the hoodlum, am told she doesn't know anything about it and CAN I WAIT ANOTHER YEAR!!!
this woman is in jail and anybody that left her a positive review is complicit in her thievery.
NOTHING BUT A THIEF.
Karma will take care of her....

"On Jan 30, 2019 8:28 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

South Creek nursery has not shipped peonies since 2017. That was for a few orders and the plants imported arrived very viable.
In 2018 No plants were sent out. We had a family member in deteriorated health - who required extensive care. Order that came in the fall of 2018 were refunded. It is uncertain at this time if we will import tree peonies for 2019.
Not sure who the buyer was.. but we did not ship plants in 2018!
Dad- 96 year coast guard vet health worsened.. with much involved care. He passed oct 8, 2018
scnop"

After 2 months and 100 emails back
and forth I got dead plants and this massage:

"here.. if you want .. i can put you in touch with my China Plants representative.. and you can indicate to her -- that all plants were dead..
if that is what you prefer
I would get them planted.. and then advise as to there status -- next spring.."


Also I got few lessons of how to grow peony- and main idea was-"they are lake tulips, handle them like tulips". Is not that funny?.


Do you need such a headache? Nop............

"On Nov 16, 2013 4:37 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

We are using a new Chinese Grower for our peonies. China Plants has an excellent reputation. This buyer purchased "Herbaceous Peonies" and received very large, thick, dormant Yellow peonies as ordered. They arrived in November and were very viable. This buyer apparently did not understand how peonies (herbaceous vs tree peony) must look when they are imported.. They must be dormant, dry, void of all soil to pass USDA customs inspection. Plants took longer than normal to pass Chinese Customs inspection - which added to the delay.
Buyer was advised.. get them planted immediately. WE in upstate Western NY have had moderate temps and no snow. The Herbaceous varieties will do fine, if downstate NY buyer plants them.
Some buyers are a headache.. she had ordered, cancelled, and reordered. It is our hopes she will enjoy the purchase that took so long to pass customs."

Our saga began in 2007, ordered plants...many emails back & forth...one reason or another couldn't ship...finally shipped more than a year later. DEAD....all dead....contacted by email....nothing. Out nearly $100 with absolutely nothing to show for it. Not even more dead replacements! We had dealt with Noelle. I would stay as far away from this company as possible!!!!

"On Apr 19, 2013 7:28 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

Sadly i have no idea who this buyer is. As of last week.. we shipped new plants from our new supplier to everyone who had back orders.. going back to those who had orders in 2007. These plants came in last november.. too late to plant at that time. Plants were held in our cold room over winter. Plants shipped out to those in the Western STates on 3/16 and the northern locations on 4/16. They were dry and dormant, but new life was coming up from the crown or bud points. We have 20 plants in testing now. It took all our funds to buy these plants again and all our funds to ship them out. All plants shipped out last week had instructions.. that plants should be soaked for 24 hr.. and the test plants we soaked have revived. Perhaps this buyer.. who says they got them, should soak and plant them asap. On these plants just shipped, we are not able to honor replacement policy. "

YES I am giving this company a positive for beeing HONEST !!!
Enough of fullfilling a large order of 13 Tree Peonies ordered and paid back in 2011.
WHO else would have done that ? 1 1/2 years later ??....the 13 peonies arrived on 4-12-2013 in a very dormant stage,no moss wrapped around the roots to avoid mildew I was told.
They're all planted in pots at this time since I had no idea that they were coming to get holes ready It was HUGE pleasant SURPRISE to receive them,hopefully they'll do fine and break dormancy soon after we get more sunshine.
Cheryl was also very accommodating to help with the website so I could ID the plants.
Thank You again,
Brigitte Brackett in Maine

Shame on me for not checking Dave's before ordering.
It has been almost a year and I have not received the two peonies that I ordered direct from the website and paid with paypal. Unfortunately, paypal will not refund as it has been over 45 days. Every week, a different excuse. This week they promised to either ship on Monday or this fall?????!!!!!! The company refuses to issue a refund. Do not order from this company. I am going to contact paypal and the local police department as this is internet fraud. Be warned.

"On Mar 30, 2013 11:00 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

WE post updates on our web page - http://www.sexybloomers.com/peony.htm.

We had to acquire a new supplier in fall 2011 - since our original supplier for the past 10 years.. never shipped. It took all our funds to totaly re-purchase the plants. The endless cold weather has prevented us from finishing shipping. All southern locations have been shipped to at this time. Northern Locations. - including Canada -- and yours will be shipped to in the week after Easter.. After 4/5/2013.

It is only now that our ground is finally clear of snow. Evening temps are still in the 20's.
Thanks for your patience."

I ordered two tree peony plants in July 2011. I still have not received them. When I placed the order, estimated delivery was two weeks. They then said October, then December. I asked for my money back, they said "No Refunds.: They promised to get back to me, they never did. I assume that I will never hear from them and that I will never get my plants.

DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!

"On Mar 30, 2013 11:01 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

WE post updates on our web page - http://www.sexybloomers.com/peony.htm.

We had to acquire a new supplier in fall 2011 - since our original supplier for the past 10 years.. never shipped. It took all our funds to totaly re-purchase the plants. The endless cold weather has prevented us from finishing shipping. All southern locations have been shipped to at this time. Northern Locations. - including Canada -- and yours will be shipped to in the week after Easter.. After 4/5/2013.

It is only now that our ground is finally clear of snow. Evening temps are still in the 20's.
Thanks for your patience.



"

If it had not been for the USA address and an Ebay Store account, I would have never placed the order. They have a USA address and an Ebay store, but they do not live by, USA or EBay, business ethics. practices and standards. They should be investigated for the way they commit fraud.
1) They send dead-wood instead of peony trees.
2) You have to send them constant reminders to have anything done.
3) They delay things hoping that you give up or forget.
4) Considering that Peony is Chinese national flower, you would assume that they would be more ethical in their dealing. Like taking up resposibility, instead of hiding behind shipping charges and un-usual kind of warranties.

"On Mar 30, 2013 11:04 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

WE post updates on our web page - http://www.sexybloomers.com/peony.htm.

We had to acquire a new supplier in fall 2011 - since our original supplier for the past 10 years.. never shipped. It took all our funds to totaly re-purchase the plants.

To pass USDA Customs.. all peonies imported must be dormant and dry

As to this date.. you should have received your shipment.. -- i assume they have been received and planted.

All western and southern buyers were shipped to first.. including your location.. in Feb.
Thanks for your patience.
"

Posted on March 20, 2011, updated July 12, 2011
Posted on February 11, 2011, updated March 20, 2011
I received my peonies today after much delay. The delay was not a problem as I mail order alot of plants and I understand about the importation. I would however caution anyone from ordering from this company. My plants are very obviously dead. They arrived dried out in plastic bags with a microscopic amount of packing material. At one point they looked to have been healthy plants but now the buds are completely dried out. This is my own fault since I didn't look at Dave's Garden first to see all the negative comments. What attracted me to this company was the variety of plants and I knew I was taking a chance. They will replace the plants but you have to pay shipping. Why would I pay to have more dead plants shipped to me. Lesson learned.

"On Feb 11, 2011 5:21 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

All Our tree peonies shipped direct from china, and as to pass the rigors for ALPHIS inspection, they must be dormant / dead looking upon entry to USA ports. They must be dry and have lite amounts of root coverage, to enable inspectors clear view of the roots. ALPHIS inspectors are looking for disease as well as pests. Case in point, one container of rockii was found to be diseased and was destroyed by USDA. The plants are shipped void of all soil. As they arrive to us between October and December, they will have buds that appear dry. The life is not in the end tips, but in the crown. It is at the crown where new life emerges the first season. We hold all stock in a dry, cold room - where moisture is lacking and mold production is held at a minimum. In the past 10 years we have shipped over 10,000 + plants. I would luv to see the positives roll in, but sadly.. only a few negatives report.
China will replace any plants that do not produce leaves after planted. They require shipping and handling to be prepaid to cover the cost. This is their rule. If the peonies were produced here, our policy would be different.. The tree peonies are strictly imported. When these are planted by Rabit Ridge, it would be a nice followup to tell us their progress.
noelle

Posted on April 18, 2011, updated May 16, 2011
Posted on March 21, 2011, updated April 18, 2011
Plants were received five months later than first communications indicated and were not in what I would consider to be acceptable condition. One purchase from a 2009 order has still not been received as well as three purchases from a 2010 order.

I will update this rating if the plants that I did receive survive and flourish and will also update the rating when the remaining plants from the 2009 and 2010 orders are ultimately received.

"On Mar 22, 2011 7:39 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

we appreciate that our buyer will update rating.. the plants are dormant when they arrive - but we have seen they come quickly once they are planted. Sadly.. as we are the importer we are at the hands of the oversea grower. Even at this time - we are working with 3 new growers to make arrangements for rockii plants that had failed to come in. Any plants that have not arrived as yet - are already booked for harvest and shipment in fall.

Posted on April 17, 2011, updated April 17, 2011
a) promised to ship last fall. Never did.
b) finally shipped this spring. Six plants -- five were dead, one is alive. And by dead I don't mean dormant -- bark scratch reveals dead wood, the plants clearly budded, but buds are shriveled and black.
c) didn't return emails complaining.

"On Apr 17, 2011 2:16 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

plants that arrive in late fall .. had old leaf buds at top.. which dry during overwinter. The plant is alive .. but the top stems are old wood .

Top stems in many cases after a overwintering will appear to be dead.. the life is not in the top stem.. but in the crown. Case in point.. we planted to .. appeared to be dead plants in our test field 2 weeks ago.. and one is already pushing out new grown at leaf buds along the stem. We recommend .. give the plants a stem cut down to 3" above the crown / soil line and monitor. All because the old top stem is winter dead.. does not mean the peony is dead."

I would heartily recommend this company to anyone and everyone. It has been a long time since I have recieved such concern, caring, and assistance, from any company, as I recieved here. Everything arrived as promised and described. They show great concern for their customers happiness and staisfaction. Do not hesitate to order from here. You will be most happily surprised - I am sure. Great people; great product! Five stars and cheers to them all!

Order from this company only if you are extraordinarily patient. I purchased 12 tree peonies via E-Bay in August and September of 2009. I received 4 of them in March 2010, and received the final 8 in February 2011 - that's a year and a half! I would still be waiting, but I requested that they substitute anything they had on hand just to get my final 8 shipped. I considered a negative rating, but on the plus side they were wonderful about answering my numerous E-mail queries - usually within 24 hours. For the price, the plants weren't bad - 3 of the 4 I put I last spring did fairly well, despite a very dry summer and my inability to water the far reaches of my garden.

"On Feb 15, 2011 11:23 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

We were glad to be of assistance to our buyer. Our china partner travels throughout the region to find our "special requests." Sometimes it takes them longer that we prefer to get us our selections. Rule changes on plant imports did toss a monkey wrench into the work -- but we do get the plants out, and we can offer substitutions if more of one variety arrives than another. Cudooes to this buyer. The plants we receive must be dormant, and devoid of all soil to pass Alphis inspection. Dormant / dry when received.. does not mean they are dead, but waiting for soil to start going.
n"

Posted on June 30, 2010, updated February 13, 2011
This is a great company to buy from if you would like to NEVER, EVER GET YOUR MONEY BACK OR YOUR ORDER SHIPPED. Please, for the love of god and all that is holy, spend your money elsewhere.

In summary: I ordered 3 peonies LAST SUMMER which were due to be shipped that fall. It is now almost a year later, and I have 1 peony in my garden, which after planting sprouted a few pathetic leaves and then promptly wilted and died. The company, despite multiple contacts, absolutely refuses to issue a refund for the peonies they haven't even sent me, despite the fact that they have managed to not give me what I paid for after a year of waiting. That's like 7 months longer than even they said it would take! They insist that my other peonies are just on the next shipment, and um, I'm about to move out of my house, so I'm just chalking it up to money lost. Sure, someone in China screwed up, but when you are a legitimate business, YOU ARE OBLIGATED TO REFUND THE CUSTOMER IF YOU CAN'T GIVE THEM THE PRODUCT WHEN YOU SAY YOU WILL.

How can this be a non-bankrupt company with service this poor? If I were this bad at my job, I would be fired. FIRED. As it is, I work 9 to 5 and spend the rest of my time filling in the three giant gaping holes in the middle of my landscaping I left for the peonies.

"On Feb 13, 2011 8:23 PM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

In fall of 2009, several conatiners of plants from china were destroyed upon Alphis inspection. Those plants were reharvested and shipped in fall 2010 to our nursery. Some selections came in too late to ship in October.
As of today, all our buyers have been notified via email the status of their plants. 80% of our china order is here, and the missing plants are expected to arrive from china in Feb. We requested all buyers to acknowlege their preference - to ship b/o plants in january / february or to ship them in spring March - April. Plants have shipped to those who requested early spring delivery. If mynameisbuffers would contact us - via email - we can update them on their selections. Most of our buyers in the Northeat have, at this tme, requested we not ship until Spring / March.
Our policy, once funds and list has been sent to china for harvest, we do not offer refunds. If plants fail to produce leaves the first season, China will provide free replacements. n"

I ordered a large amount of Tree Peonies from this company in May of 08. I did understand at the time of purchase that my Peonies would ship sometime in the fall WHEN they recieved them from China. They made it clear that there were no refunds due to them having to prepay China for the plants to send them over here. My experience so far with this company has been great. Any questions I had while I was waiting for the plants was quickly and politely answered. At times I felt like I was calling them to much and asking too many questions, and they made it clear that I was not bothering them and that they were there to help me. My 29 Peonies arrived to me on Dec.10th They all appear to be very healthy, large, and in great condition. So far I am very pleased with them. I will update this in the spring to let you know how they are doing. I feel confident that most will be ok, and I know that if there is a problem with any of them Noel or Cher will be there more then willing to help me. I can only speak for myself and go by the quality of the peonies they sent me. I will definitely order more from them in the future. A+ so far :)

Adam

Sept 2 , I ordered 5 peonies from Sexy Bloomer. If I would have been told they take orders so they can have their money upfront when they order from China, I would have been OK with that. It is obvious either they don't have the money to order plants, then sell them, or they simply don't want to risk their own money, I would have been OK with that, but they mislead you. They imply , by omission of facts, to new buyers it will be just a week or two and they will have the plants. You wait, then they imply just a couple of more weeks, due to import, or agriculture inspection they will have the plants, not true. Then after a couple of months they say they have some, but not all, of the plants. Then they have the plants, maybe, but they will get to your plants when thay can, After all they have to sort through thousands of plants to make sure their inventory in correct and they got what they paid for, then they might get around to what you paid for. If they would say, We order our plants to be ready the middle to the end of December, I would not have ordered them. I also understand tha because the plants have been packed up so long a hefty percentage don't make it, because, once again they are packed up and shipped. I find this more than annoying. I will not do business with them again. Oh, and my favorite part, they will not refund your money.

"

We appreciate any and all comments about our product. This season, As china was low on inventory and growers - it took much longer for plants to be secured. It was hoped that plants on back order from Spring -- would have arrived in August as originally indicated. But our China counterpart was on another schedule - Plants did not arrive until Nov - Dec. Additionally, strict USDA import policies required import shipments to be sent in smaller lots - which eased inspection delay. We passed with flying colors, where other importer were stopped at the border. Our policy for ordering, which we do show in our terms and FAQ page at Sexybloomers.com/peony.htm - We only order in plants that are prepaid in advance. All funds are sent to China - which locks us into a price deal. Tree peonies are not grown here, we facilitate their import and distribution.
Hence - Once all funds are sent to china, we discourage refunds. Our mission is to import plants that have A end home. This season's crop is very large, and in good shape.
"

AFTER READING THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPUT FOR SEXYBLOMMERS ON DAVES GARDEN, AND SINCE I'VE ALREADY PLACED AN ORDER WITH THEM, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE INTERESTING TO KEEP A JOURNAL OF MY EXPERIENCES WITH THE COMPANY UP UNTIL I RECIEVE MY ORDER. I HAVE NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMPANY OR ITS OWNERS AND RATHER THAN WAIT TO WRITE MY COMMENTS I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED OF THEIR BUSINESS ETHICS WHILE THEY HAPPEN, IF ONLY TO JUSTIFY SOME OF THE COMMENTS I'VE READ. I PLACED AN ORDER WITH THEM IN LATE JULY FOR TREE PEONIES TO BE PAID THROUGH PAY PAL. THE INVOICED AMOUNT WAS CORRECT BUT THE LIST OF PLANTS WAS DISTORTED WITH DUPLICATES I DID NOT ASK FOR. AFTER WRITTING THEM, THEY SUGGESTED I WAITE UNTIL THEY SEND ME AN ACTUAL LIST OF THE ORDER GOING TO CHINA, WHEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO CHANGE OR ADD ITEMS BEFORE THEY WERE PROCESSED. AUGUST 16 2008

"On Sep 29, 2009 9:17 AM, Sexy Bloomers (South Creek Nursery of Palmyra) responded with:

It is always difficult when you are not the grower but the broker for several Overseas producers. Our policy is a representative of their policy. Our contact travels to all the growers in his region, collecting those varieties that USA and Canada gardeners prefer. Importing is not an exact science. Once the collection process is complete, all peonies must be sorted, defoliated to a bare root state, fumigated to elimate pests, dried, labeled, packed and shipped to USA ports for USDA inspection. Peonies are dormant. As such, it is unknown if they are still potentially alive or were damaged in the process. Each season is different, as our climare for growing, in some cases is conducive for good growth, or too wet, which is not. In any case, China's policy is, which we as the broker must abide by, "If a plant fails to leaf out the first season, they will honor any request for FREE REPLACEMENT, without proof of failure." However, as expenses rise to cover cost of doing business, they will not seek out, process, or reship any replacement plants unless the shipping and handling fee is prepaid."
One to Four plants will reimport for $25 USD. That is their policy, and we believe a fair one.
Also.. i appreciate the comments both positive and negative. Of the 5,000 plus plants we have shipped in the past nine years, It would be nice to read more comments from those who have received plants and seen flowers. We try, as does our Chinese counterparts, to ship live grafted plants (not those simply produced by seedlings).
noelle
"

Sexy Boomers is NOT a company to purchase from if you are in a hurry for your plants. But they say that right up front.

I ordered Tree Peonies in the '06 ('05?) period, when there was a family crisis. I heard from the company right off and they asked me how I wanted to proceed with my order. When I received those plants, the roots were huge and healthy. Unfortunately, none survived.

They kindly replaced them for me (my shipping cost). I've gotten 2 of them; the other 4 are on backorder. Again, I had good email communications the entire way. The 2 plants that arrived had nice roots and had begun to leaf out. They are currently looking really nice in my yard. I have every confidence in their growth.

Since these plants come directly from China, I understand that the deliveries are at times difficult. It's worth it to me to get the varieties they offer and I'm willing to wait, as long as there is good communication, so I know what's going on.

won 3 tree peonies on ebay, in june 2007, supposed to be delivered in late fall 2007, Dec. 6th, 2007, received email that they were ready to ship, after several emails, a phone call and now Jan. 14, 2008, and still no plants

"

We send our list and funds to china once per season. Our buy now / pay later option is a good program. However, as we enter 2008, we find there are 5 ebay winners (not this one) who had gladly accepted our buy now and pay later terms, only to not come forth with their payment when due, and resulting in the delay of delivery to the rest of our good paying clients.
The list and funds are being confirmed for the final time this week. We anticipate shipping plants end of janurary - best guess.
We appreciate all those who have been patient.
south creek nursery."

I ordered 2 tree peonies a couple years ago. I received the plants one day before christmas. I planted them and the next spring both plants died.
These plants were grafted tree peonies. Don't expect them to be the same as the expensive ones. Grafted peony has very Short roots, as six inches,while the owe root division one has over a foot long roots. I guess these peonies are leftovers from China since they always ship so late.
The bottom line is: you get what you are paying for.
Just my two cents

I bought 4 peony trees last fall and they offered to winter them until this spring since they were late in shipping due to overseas suppliers. Coming from China - this would be a very real possibility. I recieved them this spring and was very happy with them. I even ordered several more they had left this spring. They have emailed me to keep me updated on my orders.

Adding my comments to the growing compost heap below, this company is rude and incompentent. The shipping times they quoted were inaccurate, the plants looked dead, and the response to emails was uncivil. They have no qualms taking your money and deliver whenever they want to regardless of the climate or temperature. Would not do business with them again. I am sure they will post yet another diatribe of excuses below my comment, but the negative comments below speak for themselves. BUYER BEWARE!!!

"

As of april 24th, 2007 all orders asked to be held for spring ship have shipped as promised. We are located in the Western End of NY state. and It has been a crazy cold snow driven april, that included a 18" snow piling noreaster.. We prudently waited until local temperatures in the origin region calmed before we moved the 60 remaining orders off to the post office.

We are now shipping plants that were remaining from spring delivery, ship now / buy it now , to quick ebayers. Hopefully they will offer more positive responses."

I ordered four tree peonies last fall via ebay auctions. Although my plants were late arriving, three of the four plants are showing significant growth this spring. The company had problems delivering the goods last fall, but I as a buyer, was informed as to the problem with DHL delivery and customs during my wait.
I feel that the seller did everything in their power to make sure that the customer was satisfied. They offered to over-winter my order for me, but I elected not to, simply because we were experiencing a warm December which turned into an above average January.
The company has already responded to my email regarding the one that did not survive. I believe that they will make good on that, as well.
I would not hesitate on ordering from this company again. I feel they delivered the goods at great prices.
Thanks.
-gtbeetle
Mars, PA

To make a long story short, DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY. I ordered seven tree peonies off eBay for immediate ship and late ship back in May/Dec 2006. It has been this long and my last standing issue has not been resolved despite numerous excuses from Cher. My "Buy It Now" plants were leftovers from her fall orders so those were shipped OK. Regarding my fall order that shipped in December - that was a nightmare. First of all, they shipped six plants and billed me for seven. Two of them were not what I ordered. All of the prices were so off from what was quoted that I couldn't reconcile the invoice. You wouldn't believe the amount of time I've spent chasing this order and I'm quite done with it. I do give Cher credit for her prompt e-mail and phone calls and yes, the plants are alive and doing okay. However, it doesn't make up for the fact that they are not organized, have no clue as to what they ship out, and even when presented with facts they act like they are right and the customer is wrong/doesn't know what they are talking about. The worst part is that because of the delay between billing and shipment, you realize too late that errors were made. I told Cher in Jan/Feb 2007 that I was going to call VISA and ask for a chargeback for the missing plant. She placated me by telling me that she'll ship a replacement out to me in March. It's April 20th, no plant, no follow-up. I honestly don't expect anything to be resolved at this point. Don't waste your time and $$$.

"

to make a long story short. We must wait for China to ship / or in the case last season, when DHL finally moved the product from one reception hub to an adequate USDA inspection hub. This caused an unnecessary delay for us. As did the unusaly April weather. Plants are shipping again on 4/23/07 to all those who are waiting.
When plants are received and ready to pack out, one person packs each order. Each order is counted 3 times, once as plants are selected from inventory cartons, once when they are wrapped to the box, once when they are put in the box.. and each time the invoice packing sheet is checked. If a client is to receive 7 plants, it is checked that 7 were in the box. However, none of us are perfect regarless of our checks and balances.
This buyer notified us that they were one plant short. Any they have been the only one so far who has notified us of a shortage. This buyer has also been told a plant will ship separately to them, at our cost, either this spring, or from a fresh crop this fall. China indicated this spring, that most of their plants at that time were experiencing unusal bud drop, and did not want to ship plants in feb / march.
We hope that once this buyer does receive the missing plant, they will spin a positive comment into the mix. At least we are trying.
c

As of april 24, 2007 -- this buyer was sent the missing plant at no further cost to them.
I have yet to see a positive response on this."

This company cant seem to get their act together with regards to shipping times. See the volumes of reviews below with one excuse or another. I am in Zone 5 and after being promised delivery of the plants in October/early November, then late November (they kept changing the time), I received the plants around December 21, 2006. Anyone with a clue knows that you do not send plants to ZONE 5 in late December because they will die. Totally disgusted with the way I was treated by this company. They refused to offer any remorse or refunds. Tried to file a complaint against them but since it was over 60 days since I paid (because I didn't file earlier since they kept stringing me along, I was stuck). In my opinion THEY ARE THE WORST COMPANY AND SHOULD NOT BE IN BUSINESS. WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN. HIGHLY RECOMMEND STAYING AWAY FROM THEM.

"n response to the Last Neg comment of 4/4/07. Our company accepts orders year round. In the fall, the entire order is sent to China for processing and shipment. When plants come in too late in the season from China, we advise buyers that they have the option for us to hold the plants in protection until spring shipment. If a buyer elects not to take us up on the offer, it is not our fault what happens when they encounter difficutlies.
Furthermore, we make it also clear, we do not offer Cash Refunds. Shipping / handling is never refundable.
WE do not know for sure if a plant failed because of the buyers issues, If infact, the plant is alive but slow starting, an issue caused by the shipper (in this case dhl was slow to get plants deliveried or usps mail loss), or an issue as to when and where the buyer planted the item.
We do offer, non conditionally a FREE REPLACEMENT from our growers in china. However, they require payment for the shipping expense. Plants arrive directly from China and are either held under our protection to ship spring, or they ship asap to the buyer.
We always contact the buyer and offer them the option. At this time, we are shipping plants to about 40 buyers who elected for us to hold them. A buyer who complains, and does not take up the offer of the Unconditional Free replacement, sends a different message.. A message that upsets our Chinese growers.. that American gardeners are looking for their cake and dining too."

I am very pleased with my tree peonies. I received them
three weeks ago and they are breaking buds already. We have had some unually bad frost here, but now we are getting our usual rain.They are nicely branched and healthy. They were well packed for shipping and arrived without any problems. I was well informed of the shipping time when I ordered them and had no worries about it. They have great communication. Thank you, I will want to order from you again!

My three tree peonys arrived this Spring instead of last Fall. The nursery held them until the ground was defrosted in zone 5. The plants are leafed out and appear healthy and strong. I understand the circumstances of the delay and would order from this nursery again.
Anne, near Chicago

My experience with this company was actually negative. I was convinced the plants will never be sent. They finally came, some in April and the rest of them in May of 2006. Since August 2005 when I ordered them, Cher promised the plants will be sent in October, then November, then end of November, them December, and so on.... It was extremely frustrating to keep asking about them, and every time to get another lie. I think I must have gotten every reason under the sun for this company's inability to do what they're supposed to.
On the bright side, the plants were really nice. Not all of them, but most. I hope they will manage to go through this season ok.
The Rockii peonies were very nice and big, with many brances. I don't know though if they are still dormant (it's May) or dead. I guess will see.
I am not sure I would order from this company again. The plants and the prices are very nice. But the frustration...

Sadly I must add my negative review to the growing compost heap.
This company has since been booted off of ebay and is no longer "selling" .So, to numerous complaints of fraud, missed shipments, and excuses I now add mine. I am still waiting for my peonies to ship from this company. I was finally advised that they had renewed their usda permit and were able to ship!!!!!!! Renewed their permit! It is now almost February, peonies were to have shipped months ago but due to family emergencies, postal issues, permit issues, planets being out of alignment (pick your own issue) they have not been shipped. Wanting to not receive dead plants... (where are they while waiting for permit renewals ) I've asked for a full refund. I was told that I could not have my money back because the funds were in China. I've since filed a Paypal claim and will follow it up with a mail fraud claim with the USPS.
You truly get what you pay for. I strongly urge others to think twice before dealing with Sexy Bloomers.

"

we are shipping a new crop from our grower partners end of feb. We apolize for the delay, but family medical issues come first, then.. the government second. Yes our 5 year import permit came for scheduled review. It happens.
WE at this point are ready to rock and roll.

We appreciate any comments that are posted. To all our clients, you may purchase from us or you have the right to purchase directly from any of our network China growers. We work with one Chinese company who uses their resources to supply our needs and meet your requests from their vast list of growers. As to crop failures, we will honor any requests for replacements. Each season we plant from the crop received, and are aware if there are problems. If problems are reported, we transmit that information to our chinese growers. Checking our file, (as i do not have their name), it appears we have not received any reports from this buyer. Plants must be imported dry and void of all soil and contaminants to pass import customs. We are not responsible for how the plants are planted at the end location. But if a problem is reported to us, rather than just on a watch report, we can react to resolve the issue.
noelle"

I too was burned by this company. It was about 3 years ago, I ordered 4 hostas from her. I received only received 2 of them, one of which survived. I did file a complaint with the BBB.

"

plants are scheduled to be shipped in late feb.
It is not our intention to be so late, but family does come first."

Plants arrived at Christmas time, much too late to establish before our southern (Dallas TX) spring begins. This was particuarly distressing as the plants were large, well branched with good roots, but showed signs of dessication from being dug quite some time ago. The plants tried valliantly to start growth in spring, but slowly declined and finally died. Btw, I am no beginning gardener and grow several tree peonies with great success in my garden.
Dave S.

"

this is cher. Last season we held over a dozen test plants, and kept them in a totally unheated, unprotected room until spring. Plants were not wrapped or planted, just laying on a table in the worst conditions. In spring, about april / may test plants were planted in several different areas. To date all survived and are growing well.
This was a critical test, showing that the plant material even in the worst condition possible does survive.
As to Dave's situation, if the tree peonies start and after beginning growth, go dormant as his have, to wait. They are going through a process and they will return. We have seen that on other late planted test plants.
We also provide a good replacement policy, and encourage him to contact us for details
cher"

I, too, ordered tree peonies from this place off ebay. In short, shipped late (Dec--zone 5), planted late and did not survive--surprised? I wasn't. Lured by low prices--got what I payed for I suppose. Comforted myself by believing that the green tree peony was probably going to be pink anyway. Didn't even bother complaining because what reputable nursury would even dream of shipping this time of year? Take your chances if you want-- I rolled and lost.

"

The is cher.. SCNOP
as of this date.. march 2005, this person has NOT contacted me about a problem with last season's purchase.. as per our instructions.. we ask any who have problems to contact us .. to get their free replacement. Our chinese grower has graciously responded with replacements for all past seasons with our issue.

We did hold several shipments to send this spring as requested by purchases. As of last week.. we received email of HIGH marks that the crop received late last seaon.. not only strated up, but showed small flowers.

Also we found that shipments coming in so late from China.. had no mold, shipped better, and held up.

To get a negative from someone.. who has not contacted us to assist if about the problem.. is not fair.

On a further note.. the new CROP list for 2005 is now up.. and orders again can be booked.
We offer a Buy now // but not payment due until orders transmit to our 2 growers in china again in the fall

cher
315-597-5330

"

I ordered 10 tree peonies from Cher last year (2004). I received the shippment on 12/24/2004. All tree peonies were healthy. Beacause I am leaving in California, I planted they right away. Now, they all start showing some sign of live so I will order some more this year.

I have ordered 8 tree peones fom this company in May and October, The plants were shipped to me right before Chistmas. The whole process was quite smooth, and the plants I received are huge compare to tree peonies that I received from other sellers. The only negative part is that those tree peonies were shipped so late that the ground in my 5/6 zone was frozen. Luckily, the company provided instruction how to store the plants for next spring planting if the gound is frozen.


Luping

The huge range of choices of tree peonies is great! the plants arrived in great shape and I am looking forward to seeing them bloom!

I ordered four peonies and three of them arrived just beofre Christmas. They were good sized plants with healthy robust roots and multiple branching. The price was extremely reasonable and Cher has been very helpful and attentive.

I am back again this year to get more of your Chinese Tree Peonies. I do so love the communication and the quality of plants that I recieve from Cher. This year was no different than last. Thank you and I will be getting more.

My experience with this company has been very positive. I ordered 10 tree peonies in 2003. Unfortunately only one survived the winter and made it to fall of this year. I decided to order some more in 2004 again and mentioned my failure to Cher. Although there appeared to be some problems in shipping this year I not only got the 10 I ordered in 2004 but she replaced the ones from last year. This years crop looked much much better than last years. Most of the tops had two the three strong branches and the roots were large, numerous and very healthy. By the way, the prices for these peonies are a real bargain. If you check other sites for similar or equivalent plants, the cost can be 2-3 times the asking price from South Creek Nursery.
Cher has been very good to work with, has answered all emails and queries promptly and has kept me apprised of problems and delays.

I ordered 6 tree peonies and they arrived in wonderful condition. I'm so looking forward to having these growing and blooming in my garden. They are hard, strong stock. I will definately be looking for more of these from Cheryl. Thanks so much. I will always be happy to tell anyone of the quality of these plants.

Thuis is a wonderful comapny to work with. Extremely honest and emails are answered with the feeling that you are dealing with a friend.
They are reliable and trustworthy. This company is a wonderful addition to any gardeners list for great plants.
Thanks Cher for making it all so easy not even counting with great shipment of truly beautiful plants