Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

Posted on February 4, 2012, updated October 20, 2012
Just made an order of 6 Hardy Sugar Cane. Pricing was exceptional! $7.50 per plant with the 3+ discount. This is the first order I have placed with them so I dont know what the pricing was last year. Considering that the other company offering them is Plant Delights Nursery- they are selling for $20.00 a plant! They are both highly recommened so for me it was a no brainer. With shipping my order was $55.00 vs. $120.00 from Plant Delights. Will post updates with my order.

I found Bluestone last year only because of also finding Dave's Garden. Many people had great things to say about Bluestone. I ordered some plants last year and they were great. I am writing today because I ordered some end of season specials this fall. In just two days these 5 lovely plants were on my doorstep. Nice plants and fantastic service. They also have a wonderful selection of plants. I will definitely buy plants from them in the future.

I ordered from them a few years ago and was happy with the quality of the plants. I ordered some hens and chicks, bulbs and oriental poppies. I moved and had to leave the plants behind. Since I moved, I've been ordering from a few companies this spring and fall to stock my new place. I commend this company for their awesome shipping/FedEx notification policies and the great plant material I received. I ordered from the other companies before I placed my 2 orders with Bluestone this fall and I am still waiting for the other companies shipments. I called the other companies and they tell me they cannot even give me an estimate for delivery. It's a little hard to plan planting without any info. The Bluestone material is already planted and looks ready to take off. These guys are the best I've seen in years, that is why I am taking the time to recommend them.

Posted on June 7, 2009, updated October 1, 2012
I have been using this company for several years now and am quite happy with them. Once in a while in the order a plant may arrive in bad shape and all you have to do is call and it is quickly replaced no questions asked. Yes, the plant arrives smaller then most of the other mail orders, but they mature to beautiful plants. Sometimes something you order may not thrive, but that is more because of the zone, the soil or something else not pertaining to Bluestone.

Posted on September 26, 2012, updated September 26, 2012
Posted on October 26, 2007, updated September 26, 2012
One of the very BEST internet garden sites I have ever dealt with... great plants with excellent packaging. Customer service goes the extra mile in working with you if there is any problem with any of the plants. They deserve to be in the top tier!

This company is fantastic. I ordered from their winter sales (you get cheaper plants, they get money in the winter, a win-win) several times last winter & all orders were combined with combined shipping charges & shipped together in the spring. I ordered close to 100 plants. The office staff is extraordinarily helpful & friendly. With so many plants there were a very few problems which were solved instantly. Their packing is wonderful, the plants were healthy. I had heard from others not to plant compostable pots because the plants got root bound before the pot decomposed. Not these pots - the coconut fibers allow the roots to grow out through it. Now in fall, all the plants are still doing beautifully. Also, I had never ordered plants by mail before & I love it! Cheaper plants and you eliminate most of the impulse buying which is so tempting in a nursery. I give Bluestone 5 out of 5 stars!

Posted on June 29, 2012, updated September 3, 2012
Posted on June 9, 2012, updated June 29, 2012
Posted on June 5, 2012, updated June 9, 2012
After seeing Bluestone reviewed here multiple times, I decided to place a "test order". Due to the large selection and the end of season sale, my little test order grew! After submitting my initial order of 47 plants, I realized that I had omitted 9 evergreens. I emailed Bluestone and they updated my order (thank you, Pat, you're fantastic!!!). I received my 56 plants yesterday - some traveled well, some arrived dry and wilted, and one is basically DOA. I have emailed Bluestone and I am comfortable that they will address the DOA Callicarpa. Although I did not receive a shipping notification (fortunately I was home when the boxes arrived) and despite the fact that a few of the plants are rather bedraggled (plus the issue with the Callicarpa), I am giving them a positive review as

- customer service is fantastic (again, thank you, Pat!!)
- the plants were shipped securely (great inserts)
- my order arrived in a timely manner
- they have a wonderful selection and, with the sale prices, everything is attractively priced
- every plant is good-sized, well-branched with full root systems
- I believe that they will respond to my email.

At this point, I would definitely order again.

I just received an order of several fine, healthy plants. As usual it was extremely well packaged and the plants arrived in excellent shape. Among them was a replacement for a plant that arrived in next-to-dead condition. Although the damage appeared to be the result of negligence by the shipping service, Bluestone replaced it for free.
Since I tend to order on a sporadic basis, I like that they combine orders so that the plants arrive in a single lot at the appropriate planting time.

Posted on July 17, 2012, updated July 21, 2012
placed a large order,recieved damp pots with soft mushy leaves.Husband planted them,none grew even with babying them.Not wanting to admit defeat Ilet them struggle with fertilizer.and water.I lost my packing slip;by this time hubby was very upset.I sent Emailexplaing situationand saidI would be willing to buy from them again if they could check my order recordand offer a csecond chance discount. Of course no response.All I wanted was to let them know half dead plants in wet pots wrapped in plastic do not grow;at least free shipping?

"On Jul 18, 2012 9:04 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Could you please give us a call at your earliest convenience? We reply to every email we receive, and would have offered you a reshipment or a refund without question. I am puzzled - Our plants are not wrapped in plastic (with the exception of a 3/4" removable band at the top of the coconut fiber pot) and they are shipped in a cardboard carrier (again, no plastic). Is it possible they came from another nursery? Let's get to the bottom of this. Call 800-852-5243 or email me directly helpdesk@bluestoneperennials.com We look forward to hearing from you and resolving the situation.
"

Posted on July 10, 2012, updated July 13, 2012
I had made 3 purchases from Bluestone Perennials and up until the 3rd order, I had been satisfied. It was upon receipt of my 3rd order when I opened the box to find 1/2 of my plants (barely seedlings) sickly looking and half dead. I took pictures of them all along with the plant ID cards, and then I emailed Bluestone Perennials the pictures, complete with the order number and advised them of the plants' conditions upon arrival, expressed my severe dissatisfaction and asked them to kindly respond. I never heard a single word back from them in response... not by email, phone or USPS mail. I understand things go wrong in shipping -- anything can happen. But when a customer reports a valid complaint and the company ignores it? Unacceptable. I got no apology, no explanation, no acknowledgement, no attempt to make things right. Of the order, there were 3 of each of following: foxglove, sweet woodruff, zing rose dianthus, and 3 different types of campanula. After planting all 18, only 10 survived. After this, I have never and will never order from them again. I still get the catalogs and merely use them for reference... when I find something I like, I spend my hard earned money elsewhere.

"On Jul 12, 2012 3:05 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Sorry to hear that your email was lost in transit. Our server will refuse emails with large pictures or many images, so that may have happened. Please be in touch by phone, or try sending your images individually. We answer every email we receive within 2 days. Let's get this resolved right away to your satisfaction. We can reship or refund at your discretion. Please be in touch, and never hesitate to call if you have not heard from us - we are standing by to help!"

I have ordered from Bluestone the past 2 years. I love their selection and quality of information on their website. I am new to gardening and don't really like the coco pots, but my experience could very well be a product of my inexperience--ended up removing the majority of them from the pots because they seemed to get dry so fast, when I did everything did much better.

love the coco pots, wish everyone used them - plants i receive from here always do well

I have ordered from Bluestone many times in the past because I loved their "3 small plants" pricing structure. I emailed them and complained to when they announced their change to the new coir pots and increased their prices. They said the plants would be significantly larger than they used to be in the 3 packs. But I ordered this spring, and they're not. Now, Bluestone is charging as much for small plants as I pay for significantly larger plants at my local nurseries. So I won't be ordering from them again unless I find something really unusual in their catalog. It's too bad -- they're reputable, nice people. But they've lost a good customer.

I have bought from Bluestone for years and my most recent order was this spring. Prices have gone up but the quality is still good and customer support excellent.

I ordered a large number of perennials from this site to begin a garden at a new house. All of them arrived in beautiful condition. The selection was excellent. I'm not sure I've seen so many varieties of capanulas anywhere else. I was so grateful that all of the plants were in grow pots and that there were NO packing peanuts. The packaging all recycled beautifully.

My excellent experience with Bluestone started with ordering process. As a new DG member, I found BP in the last 2 days of their half price spring sale (without realizing deadline). Took me 2 days to fill my cart with about 40 plants. Next day, went to edit to make sure I had right spot for each plant and found prices doubled. Not having read all the wonderful reviews, thought this was an online gimmic. However, Pat was wonderful extending prices for, what became, 2 more days to accomplish edit. The plants came within a week, large, green and beautiful (except 3 hollyhocks which, after reading reviews, I'm convinced BP will replace if necessary). Propitiously, arrival preceded 2 cooler days of drizzleing rain in our SC 7b/8a climate. Accomplished easy planting in 3 days, following directions. Now, after reading reviews, I question if coir pots should have been slashed or bottoms removed as I am sure to order again before fall.
Much thanks to Pat and advanced thanks in hopes of a reply to coir pot planting methods. Claudia T.

Posted on May 9, 2011, updated June 10, 2012
ordered 5 sets of plants. One was an out-of-stock item from the previous year. They were out of it again and sent me a credit slip. The plants I got were very small and one set looked like a rabbit had eaten the tops off.
The whole point of ordering early (and having your charge card billed at the time of the order) is to reserve the plants for the customer. I suspect it is the colder zone places get shipped last and end up with poorer stock or none.
dissapointed.

I have been ordering from Bluestone for years and years. I have a very small nursery, so sometimes I order wholesale for the nursery, and sometimes retail just for my garden. I've always been a happy customer.

Recently I ordered from their 50% off sale. Received the plants in a timely fashion. 14 plants total. 2 of them were not looking well, the rest were great as always.

I kind of hesitated to contact them, as I've always had such great service, what's a little fluke? But I did. I sent them pictures of the two plants in question. I think it's only fair nowadays, with digital cameras and the internet to send a company pictures of any plants that are questionable the day you receive them.

The next day I heard back from Bluestone. They felt the plants had not been watered properly before shipping, and that is what I felt to. They said replacements were on their way. Apologies were given.

Two days later, and here comes the replacement. In excellent condition, along with some coupons for further purchases.

I like getting plants in good shape the first time. But mistakes happen. It's how a company handles their mistakes that means all to me. They could have argued, or offered credit only, but no, they shipped new plants at their shipping expense.

You can't ask for anything better.

I've always loved Bluestone, and I still do.

I placed an order before I was sure about my planting site, and in remorse, I cancelled it. No problem. They don't charge you until the plant materials are in the pipeline and they know they have it in stock.

I then went ahead and placed four more orders, and although they did not take the initiative to combine (though they might have done so if I asked), the price of shipping was modest, not like some fancy Connecticut place I can think of.

If something wasn't in stock, I didn't get charged and handed a backorder of uncertain future date.

The stock arrived looking wonderful, without the usual styrofoam peanuts, but just simple cardboard holders, and the plants themselves are in plantable coco fiber pots.

I did receive one hosta which turned out to have a different stick than the label taped to the pot. Turned out it was alphabetically just before the one I ordered (Ice Age Trail came to me, when I ordered Independence). I called and they are sending me the right one, saying that they hadn't seen Ice Age Trail in awhile, thought they didn't have it in stock, so I must have gotten the last one which I could just keep for free.

Anyway, I am happy with everything and with the way the people in the business treated me, every step of the way. I'll definitely choose them again.

Plants and service are A+

Posted on May 6, 2012, updated June 6, 2012
Let me start by saying the number of negative comments is unfair to this company. People should not be allowed to rate them just because they are unhappy with a change to the pricing structure.

My order arrived a week ago in great condition even after sitting in a UPS warehouse for the weekend. The plants were all healthy, and they are bigger than previous orders. I planted them right away, and a week later, they are looking great. I would not hesitate to order again, and will gladly pay more now for a plant that will thrive.

Posted on September 23, 2008, updated June 2, 2012
My first order with Bluestone was for 5 shrubs and 9 groundcovers early this spring. The shrubs were small (4"-6"), but very healthy and in 4" pots. While Bluestone quite clearly states the size I guess in my poor feable brain a 4" pot is much larger. I was rather concerned that if I planted them in the ground would they make it through their first winter in my zone 5. But I don't think I'm going to have to worry at all. Those shrubs that I planted in late June have grown from 4-6" to over 3' tall each. I will definitely order from them again.

Well I ordered from Bluestone for the first time about two months ago. I originally ordered four plants and decided I wanted to add one more last minute (five days later). So I called to see if I could and they told me my order had been processed but they would be happy to add my desired plant. I was a lil nervous that my order would be incorrect or be pushed back due to my addition but I was pleasantly surprised when the order arrived less then a week later correct and packed very nicely. As it said in other reviews the plants were pretty small (but for me part of the enjoyment will be helping them to grow)... unfortunately two did not make it. So I called Bluestone to get them replaced and they were out of the one I had originally ordered till fall. So I really wanted to get it planted asap so I accepted a different kind of Clematis instead. This time the two replacement plants were not packed well and the post office obviously miss handled it cause there was no dirt in either pot and the plants arrived dead. Sooooo I called again kind of ready to give up but wanting to let them know my disappointment. Bluestones customer service is EXCEPTIONAL! Even with the let downs I will order from them based on the type of customer service they provide (polite understanding and timely) The truth is there is always a chance of mishandling especially when you are ordering a plant from across the country but Bluestone stayed true to there guarantee and made me feel they were happy to do it. Some of the other places I have ordered from made me feel like an inconvenience if I asked any questions even during my purchase. These other companies have made it even more difficult to feel confident that if there is an issue with the order that it will be handled in a customer service orientated manner. Even if the plants arrive more mature I prefer enjoying every part of my gardening experience (even purchasing)! I will definitely continue to use Bluestone and look forward to receiving the original clematis I ordered in the fall! There is no substitute for great service and feeling like a valued customer Thank You Bluestone!

Posted on June 3, 2011, updated June 2, 2012
My recent order from Bluestone arrived with all but one of what I ordered, their typical small and healthy appearing plants. (The other is out of stock and I will cancel as I don't want this plant in the fall.) I always open a box from Bluestone with trepidation, knowing that I will have to spend an hour or more dealing with packing peanuts, trying to tease them from the plants without causing damage, usually damaging at least one beyond retrieval. I have to unpack inside as outdoors the peanuts would be distributed hither and yon by the wind, and the recycling or returning is a hassle. So it is with joy that I read the reply from Bluestone's customer rep that they are changing their packing system, which has always been the worst of any of the several plant nurseries I order from.

Posted on May 30, 2009, updated June 1, 2012
Excellent Excellent Excellent!!! Two shipments of plants arrived and I could have not asked for better packing, healthier plants and service. One small shipment and one for almost $200.00 both arrived in near perfect condition, some perennials blooming, healthy roots on everything! I would recommend this company 100%.

I ordered plants using the wonderful spring sale from Bluestone. I was VERY HAPPY with the quality of the plants, but MORE IMPORTANTLY the shipping container and pots are totally recyclable. This is the best experience I have had with mail order plants! Top Marks for being a good planet citizen. (and having a swell selection of plants.)

In April 2012, I contacted Bluestone Perennials regarding 2 Brunnera plants that I had ordered from them in the Spring of 2011. Much to my dismay, the plants did not come up again in 2012. They promised to send out replacements, and they did. However, one of the replacement plants I received was quite tiny (maybe 2” tall & 2” wide, with fingernail-sized leaves). I sent them a letter, saying that if this had been the original plant I received when I first ordered, I would have been very upset. Since the tiny plant was a plant that they replaced free of charge, I didn’t feel that I could complain too much, but I wanted to make the point that I was not completely happy with my order. You can imagine my surprise when I received not one, but TWO more, BIG, BEAUTIFUL brunneras! As always, their customer service was wonderful, and I really felt that they went "above and beyond" what was required in this case. I will definitely not hesitate to order from them again.

Posted on April 21, 2012, updated May 25, 2012
Posted on April 25, 2009, updated April 21, 2012
Another year ordering from Bluestone.(this is my second year for this garden,new house)
The only negative is those darn peanuts.
Plants are small but the price is right and they thrive the first week theyre set in.
I always referr to Bluestone website for plant info even if I'm not ordering from them.
Many sites dont give usefull info about height and spacing.
Bluestone answers the phone and tries to make accomodations where ever possible. And the 50% off sale in May,? who wouldnt love-em

Posted on April 21, 2011, updated May 24, 2012
I absolutely love this company. I love the website, it is just packed with items and the specials are great. I like that there are tips for caring for the plants. The catalog is also beautiful. My plants have always arrived in good condition, and although they are small, they usually do very well. The few times the plants have not survived, I have been sent replacements without question. The customer service is excellent.

Posted on May 24, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
Posted on May 1, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
I made several orders -- all specials at very nice prices -- this spring of perennials and an ornamental grass. I included a note that I was concerned about the new pots and I asked that they not be shipped until the last of April. They responded immediately to all my emails and assured me that the plants would be lovely. They were shipped April 30th as requested, arrived the next morning. All were in beautiful shape; the pots were not dried out, soil was moist, plants were all green. They were packed very carefully and no peanuts or newspaper or anything to unwrap. I'm very happy with them. I like the size of the plants as they are easier for me to plant than the larger sized ones. I hope to plant them later this week and will report back. I do intend to purchase more, especially when they have specials that I'm looking for.

Posted on May 2, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
I decided to give Bluestone a try after hearing that they had good quality plants. I was not able to afford their regularly priced plants, but I did find several on special that worked for my garden that I could not find locally.

My plants arrived exactly on time for my zone. The packing was beautiful and no leaves were crushed or damaged. The soil was appropriately moist without being soggy (good, as I have had trouble with other companies about this due to distance travelled, etc).

About the coconut pots. Bluestone's pots are very nice, and there are roots showing through, so I feel that's a very positive sign. I do think that coconut dries out more quickly than peat, so I made sure to keep on top of the watering until I could get my plants in their new homes.

Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. I still wouldn't be able to afford the full sized plants, but perhaps I'll find more on sale.

I was surprised that 3 packs were no longer available-but that didn't stop me from placing 2 orders with Bluestone Perennials this year. I've been ordering from them for about 5 years. I'm very happy with the plants I received in the past and I am still happy with the plants I received this year. The plants are in very good shape. I've never had a plant from Bluestone fail in my garden. I will keep ordering plants from Bluestone-until I no longer have any garden space left :o))

I was surprised that I did like the coco pots...it does make it
a little more difficult to keep the plants watered for any length of time before planting, but in my case I was able to plant quickly. I removed the coco pot before planting...probably a no, no, but I just hate peat pots, all those pots in general.
All of my plants and I had a large order are doing well. I don't think I've ever lost a plant and I've been a customer for many years even before I moved from PA. Their customer service is unbelievable...real people with answers...unheard of these days.

Posted on March 10, 2012, updated May 18, 2012
Posted on September 23, 2011, updated March 10, 2012
Posted on August 8, 2011, updated September 23, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated August 8, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on September 24, 2010, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on April 13, 2010, updated September 24, 2010
Posted on June 15, 2003, updated April 13, 2010
I placed my first order with Bluestone this year, and am very pleased. Their small perennials are already almost as big as the ones I bought in the local garden center this spring. And, though I was skeptical about the shrubs, they surprised me. I planted the three tiny shrubs - a weigelia, butterfly bush, and white forsythia - in big pots to let them grow a bit before planting them out this fall. Already, they're turning into nice-sized shrubs, and the weigela actually bloomed this spring. After some miserable experiences with some other (reputable) mail order companies lately, it's nice to find a company that does it right the first time

I've ordered from Bluestone multiple times in the past few years, and I intend to keep ordering from them. Sure, I've had a few plants that weren't as well-rooted as others, I've had some "clearance sale" plants that looked a little scraggly, and I've even had a few plants that didn't end up making it. But, that can also be said about plants I've bought from other high quality online sellers, Lowe's, and local nurseries. The vast majority of my plants have done very well. Their customer service is fast, fair, and friendly, and I LOVE the Coco Pots and packaging. And, I definitely love the coupons that come with each new order!

Posted on May 15, 2006, updated May 17, 2012
This was my first order with Bluestone. I ordered 2 of the blue satin rose of sharon. I was REALLY surpised by how small the plants were and the fact that, although they were in pots, there was no soil in the pot, and the roots were completely bare. I think both plants will probably survive, but it will take years for them to get anywhere big enough to have a decent bloom. I was very disappointed with what I received for the price paid, especially after researching Bluestone on this site prior to ordering.

"

Please contact us so that we can reship. It sounds like your package was handled badly in shipping, as it certainly had soil when it left here. We pride ourselves on our packing, and it is possible your package was mangled and re-boxed by the carrier."

Posted on May 12, 2011, updated May 15, 2012
I have purchased lots of plants from Bluestone Perennials and again, this year they did not disappoint. About 50 large columbines and 6 large foxgloves. All expertly packaged and really large size - 10 inch. Last year I made the mistake of buying from American Meadows and the difference was amazing. Those plants arrived half dead, 30% actually did just have some shriveled roots in them. I received a partial refund and they went on my black list. Bluestone came through once again and I will definately order more form them during 2011.

I decided this year I would try a couple of different stores that were "cheaper" because of the slight price increase at Bluestone. BIG mistake. I ordered 6 delphiniums from the first "cheaper place" (not mentioning names) and just got an ENTIRE package infected with crown rot. The second store (again, won't mention names) I ordered 6 Tangerine Geums and they all came so root bound I had to practically step on the roots in order to loosen them :(

I'm sticking with Bluestone perinnials for my flowers...period. Thank goodness I did order several other plants this year (Russian Sage, rudbeckia and some Austrailian Astroturf) from Bluestone and they came BIG, healthy and PERFECT. They also came in these neat coconut pots which I am going to re-use and plant start tomatoes in next year. I'm sticking with Bluestone.. lesson learned.

In the past week I received two orders from Bluestone. Both orders looked like they were just dug from the garden, so Bluestone can be sure I will continue to order from them. Simply outstanding!