Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

Thank you, thank you, thank you, everybody. We love to garden. So much so, we just bought a 10-acre hobby farm so we can go crazy.

I have been getting BP catalogs for three years but couldn't order because we didn't have enough room on our quarter-acre city lot. We were ready to splurge and had budgeted over $1000 for stock alone this summer. BP having been one of DG's top 10 was one of the first places we intended to look. When we used this web site to access BP, we were surprised, to say the least, at all of the negative reports.

After reading most of them and to be fair, the positives, we've decided not to order anything until all of this settles down. In our opinion only, they might be trying to capitalize on the good reputation they established and might even be on the way out - take the money and run, so to speak.

"On Mar 10, 2012 10:11 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Dear HankerB and other concerned customers;

We’ve been growing and selling plants since 1972, and we are always searching for ways to improve our plants and service. We knew we had found a better way to grow and ship plants when we began testing a breathable pot made from coconut husk fibers. The one word our propagators kept saying was “Wow!” The plants grown in the coco pots were more vigorous and had dramatically healthier roots than plants grown in plastic pots. Plus, the coco pots could be planted directly in the ground, which eliminated transplant shock.

That, in a nutshell, is why we now grow all our plants in coco pots. It was a product quality decision. Our new plants are more than 2 ½ times larger than those grown in our previous 3-paks, so it’s not a fair “apples to apples” comparison to look at the prices of our new larger plants versus the prices of our old (much smaller) 3-pak plants. Our plants are still a great value—but now we’re selling larger plants that will provide superior performance in your yard and garden.

Please shop our competitors and compare prices and delivery fees. We think you’ll agree that Bluestone prices are very competitive. We’ve kept our shipping and handling charges the same (even though we’re shipping larger plants) because we redesigned the packaging to be more efficient.

All of that being said, I would like to apologize for the confusion we’ve caused our customers who enjoyed the old 3-paks. We know you loved these small plants—particularly because they were priced way below the market. If you choose not to buy plants from us anymore, we’re sorry to lose you as customers and we thank you for your past support. If you do favor us with an order in the future, you’ll see why we’ve made the change to our new coco pot. The plant growth is truly amazing.

Quite frankly, we have been surprised by the recent number of negative reviews on Garden Watchdog. We loved being a Top 30 company, and we plan to earn our way back into that elite ranking. We still offer the best guarantees in the business, and our customer service is second to none. When our customers start receiving and growing our plants grown in coco pots and see first-hand how well they perform, I sincerely believe that they will be happy.

We’re still the same family-owned company, and our goal is to continue to offer exceptional plants.

Best Regards,
Bill Boonstra, Second Generation Owner and Grower
Bluestone Perennials

"

I have been a devoted client of Bluestone for years. Great selection, quality, prices, and customer service. I have no doubt that they continue to offer the same top-notch quality as ever, but sadly with their slightly shocking price increases this season I can no longer afford to buy from them (at least not to the extent that I once did.) Love the company, sad about the changes. That being said, if you can afford it I highly recommend Bluestone.

Every winter, right after the holidays, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new Bluestone catalog so that I can begin to plan my garden for the upcoming season.
What a disappointment this year!!
Normally, I start out with my 'dream order,' and then winnow it down to what I can afford. This year, the prices went through the roof, the number of plants for the price declined from 3 to 1, so we passed through the threshold where it is no longer practical to purchase from this company.
I will have to get used to purchasing plants locally. Probably should have been doing that already to save energy.
I am a small business owner myself, and I have to wonder how a company could raise prices this much, in this economy and on an item that is optional. So sad to see a business implode like this.

Looks like I'm not alone here. I, too, was a long-time customer of Bluestone Perennials, placing orders twice a year. While the plants were small, the prices were great, and they came in 3-packs, and they were healthy & living. In 2012, the prices increased, the price was for a single plant, and then when my plants arrived, they were the same very small perennials and shrubs. I detected no difference in the size I had gotten for years and what I was now getting. Whats more, for the first time, I had two varieties that arrived dead on arrival. So-o-o-o, it would seem the great new pots were not that great a deal after all, and I was getting the same tiny little plants, not arriving in as good a condition and at a much increased price. Now, my Bluestone catalog will serve as a reference for me, and I will not be ordering from them again. Sometimes, a merchant might want to consider that there is no need to change the system at all.

I wonder whose bright idea the change was? Was it a subtle way to sell the same amount of plants at a now inflated profit, thus increasing the bottom line? Is there a new owner? Why on earth would they alienate so many of us long-time customers?

I just got off the phone with a Bluestone representative after asking that my name be removed from their mailing list. The representative was most helpful, as they always have been. The new prices, though, are unconscionable. Since I like to plant in groupings, one of the things I loved about Bluestone was that I could order three little plants at a time for a very reasonable price. I'm patient in my garden. I don't mind waiting for little things to mature. For the price I'd have to pay now for three plants, I'm better off going to my local nursery, which carries a wonderful variety of native plants, and saving the postage.

I can appreciate that the larger plants now come in biodegradable pots, but I always recycled or reused the little 3-paks. And if using biodegradable pots is expensive, I can't wait until my electric bill goes up 30% from using renewable energy. Saving the planet, one middle-income household at a time.

Posted on December 12, 2011, updated February 19, 2012
Posted on April 19, 2010, updated December 12, 2011
This is my second year of purchasing perennials from BP. Both orders were shipped and delivered in two days. The flowers were VERY HEALTHY. What more can I ask?

Posted on April 30, 2010, updated February 6, 2012
The plants were were in pretty good shape even though they were on the small size. As this is a mail-order company, small plants are to be expected (who wants to pay the shipping on a gallon container!) and they all look exceptionally healthy. There is plenty of new leaves emerging and very good root systems.
Only one plant did not come (the burning hearts bleeding heart) due to a backorder.
I am very pleased with this order and will definitely be back (and since they send many many coupons with the order and I will probably be tempted back sooner rather than later!

I've ordered from Bluestone in the past, and have been very pleased with their plants and their customer service. The prices have gone up this year, which is disappointing, but prices for *everything* have gone up, including the prices in other garden catalogs I receive. Bluestone's effort to use ecologically sound practice in their business is one reason I continue to buy from them; as a gardner, the well-being of nature is a concern for me, and I'm glad it's a concern for them as well.

I didn't order as much this year from them because of the pricing, but I'm looking forward to receiving my plants. Their shipping methods and quality always outstrip those of other mail-order nurseries.

I was surprised when I opened the 2012 catalog and saw the price and quantity changes. Comparing prices to last year's order, I see I would be paying 33% to 60% more per plant. I don't need to start with larger plants, I don't mind the packing peanuts, and I don't trust biodegradable pots. What I DO mind is suddenly paying $22.50 per 3 plants instead of $13.95 (or less). I can't afford that increase.

I'm going to have to go in 3 directions now. First, use more of the plants I have that can be divided every few years or that spread gradually. Second, use more annuals grown from seed (I have a very nice light stand). Third, buy plants from local "big box" stores. I probably will not be placing an order with them this year. If I do, it will be for just 1 each of a few different plants that can be divided in the future.

I have no doubt that Bluestone will continue to provide the fine quality plants, excellent replacement policy, and great customer service, but I still have to consider this a very negative change.

I made a good sized order on plants and was OK with them when they arrived but not really excited because they looked puny and sickly. Not surprisingly they died very shortly. I won't be ordering from them again.

"On Jan 23, 2012 4:02 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Sorry you waited so long to speak up, jhughbanks. Your guarantee is still in effect, so give us a call (or an email) and let us know what you lost. We will refund or reship (starting in late March) at your preference. You will love the new size!"

Posted on May 27, 2010, updated January 21, 2012
I have placed several orders with Bluestone and have had nothing but excellent results. If there is one negative it is that the shrub plants tend to be on the very small side, but they are in excellent condition and thrive once planted. This is a company I recommend to everyone.

Posted on May 9, 2010, updated January 17, 2012
Just received my first order ever from Bluestone Perennials. It will be the first of many! Plants were clearly of top quality and arrived safe and sound.

I had contacted Bluestone previously because I learned that I would not be at home the week that my plants were originally scheduled to ship--the customer service person I spoke with was very courteous and friendly. My request to change the shipping date was carried out with no problems!

Again, I'm very happy with this company. Now, I just have to find some way to justify placing another order with them this fall...oh wait, there's that free shipping on your next order deal they give you if you return the packaging materials from your last order to them. Problem solved!

I'm really disappointed with Bluestone. I bought perennials from them for years, but their prices have gone up on the plants I was going to order this spring a huge 60%! My 12 plant order would have increased about $30 from last year's catalog.

They say they're sending larger plants! I don't want larger plants. The smaller plants they send grow into sizable plants the first year. Expensive biodegradable pots? I'm not going to pay for those. I reuse the plastic ones over and over again and then recycle them.

I understand the rise in medical costs as part of their increases, but I sure won't help them pay for their other uneconomical decisions. I'll deal with unruly peanuts if I have to in order to save money. People are hurting out here, but Bluestone doesn't get it. Were they bought out or something? Something went wrong there.

By the way if you post your grievances at Gardenweb, forget it. They'll delete your complaint.

Posted on October 18, 2008, updated January 16, 2012
Bluestone P. is amazing. The plants are always in perfect condition and well-packed and shipped on time. It is also one of the few companies that has managed to keep their prices reasonable and even low! While other nurseries have suddenly started charging (understandably) $8.00 and more for 4 in pots, you can still order 3-packs of perennials from Bluestone at reasonable prices. This year I ordered from one of the top 30 and from Bluestone for same plant, different varieties. Bluestone had 3-packs 3 for $15 and the other (shall remain nameless as I can't really blame them for charging more in this economy and with rising shipping costs) charged $7-8 per 4-inch pot. Bluestone's 3-packs were beautiful, healthy plants with seriously healthy roots. The other 4-in pots were disappointing for $8 plus postage: they had stick-ons that said "careful, shallow roots." Although it's possible that was because of the plant, I have to say I was disappointed to get $8 plants with barely established roots. We'll see how they do next spring.

Hugely recommend this company. Always have a good selection, prices can't be beat, and customer service is excellent.

I've ordered from Bluestone several years in a row now, but this year I'll be looking elsewhere. Bluestone filled a much needed niche with their small plant sizes for such affordable prices. I've never minded waiting for my plants to grow, and it was a delight to be able to obtain so many varieties to experiment with.

In addition, I'm not interested in shelling out my hard earned dollars to help Bluestone line "Big Eco's" deep pockets.

I hope all that eco-green propaganda keeps you warm at night, Bluestone.

Posted on March 27, 2006, updated January 16, 2012
I've ordered only once last year after seeing the variety of Sedum available in a catalogue that my sister-in-law had. We are Zone 9A. All have come through the winter well, even with the current drought and being newly established. I have been impressed with the size anbd quality of the plants and have not yet had to see how they deal with replacements. I will be placing another order this year. Only critisism: I received a 20% off voucher too late to the expiration date to utilize.

A couple of comments: First, I work in the plastics industry and plant pots are highly desirable recyclables. We make as much of our products as possible out of "regrind" plastic, for which we pay a premium price, and we never have enough. I personally put all my plastic plant pots in my recycle bin at the curb and they are all taken, even the trays under the pots. Here's something to think about re plastic--we make plastic pallets vs. wooden ones. Wood pallets come from cutting down trees, are generally used once, and most often end up in the landfill. (yes, I know some people burn them for fuel, more pollution by the way, but most are landfilled). Our plastic pallets are re-used over and over again and when they get damaged are ground up and remade into a new pallet. Plastic resin is much too expensive (as high as 70 cents a pound) to waste in a landfill. We buy old plastic from every source we find. Our process does not produce ANY air pollution and we don't need any EPA air permits and don't even have any "smokestacks" or vents.

For several years and landscaping 2 different homes from scratch, I shopped using the printed catalog then made a driving expedition to Bluestone Perennials and bought an entire pickup full of plants to landscape my yard. There was a substantial discount doing this as they didn't have to pick/pack/ship. The small plants allowed me to transport more, and they transplanted better. I did not bother to shop at any other nursery during that time.

Several years ago they stopped mailing the catalog, although I phoned several times to request one. I find the website much harder to shop through and it does not have the complete growing information that was in the catalog. I had bought several thousand dollars of plants during those years, so don't know why they wouldn't give me a catalog. I suspect they need to save the cost of printing, as many other businesses have had to do.

The economy has been hard on everyone, and their business obviously requires that they charge higher prices to stay open. However, they had a niche market with the smaller, lower price plants, and I believe that was one of their main advantages. As others have remarked, they have now lost that competitive advantage and only time will tell if that was a correct marketing decision. I have always gotten excellent plants, excellent variety from them, so have no complaints on that score. Due to the high prices now, I'm unlikely to buy in the future.

While price increases are never something anyone likes, I will say my review is based on the quality of the plants. People can decide for themselves if the quality product is justified by the price. But I bought an assortment of plants for my shade garden and was quite happy. Plants were packaged well and in good shape. And best of all, almost all bloomed at least somewhat in the first year.

How can Bluestone justify selling the butterfly garden that was $59.95 in December 2011 at $165.00 in January 2012? At first I thought it was a mistake, or a larger/different butterfly garden with more plants. Imagine my surprise & dissapointment to realize its the same package. That's an additional $106.00! How can you justify this?

I understand gas prices are up and that price increases are due to happen. But a 60% price increase? Thanks but no thanks, I'll be taking my business elsewhere.

"On Jan 13, 2012 9:45 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Before you leave us, please consider watching our video showing the new larger size in direct comparison to our previous size. Our new pot holds a plant that is 2-3 times the size of the our previous 3-pak size. The environmental friendliness of the coir pot is a nice bonus, but the new larger size / larger plants are the real plus. We know things are tight, and we are continuing our deeply discounted specials, reward coupons, and early order promotions to help. The video link is above and it is also viewable on our home page http://www.bluestoneperennials.com We hope you will reconsider and stay."

It was so upsetting to see the new pricing. I have been an enthusiastic customer for many years. Goodbye Bluestone. You are no longer the value you have always been. Sniff

Spring of 2010 I placed an order with Bluestone and was extremely pleased with the product. Of over 75 plants, all had nice sturdy root systems, and only one was lost due to predation.

Spring of 2011, I placed a smaller order (actually placed the order in January). When my eagerly anticipated package arrived, I found out that they had only shipped half my order, despite getting my order in so early. How early do you need to order to get your plants in the spring?

The plants were going to ship in the fall, so I waited, and ordered more plants to combine with the fall shipment. Well, despite the large price increase, and the new biodegradable pots, I'm not sure the plants I received in the fall will make it. Their root systems were very small, and the plants themselves were puny and withered, despite that the "new pots" are larger. I will wait until spring to see if they make it, and change my review accordingly. I'm afraid that if they don't make it, I'll have to wait another year to get replacement plants!

I have strongly recommended Bluestone to friends and family in the past, but with the huge price increase and the lower quality, I may not do that again.

"On Jan 3, 2012 2:57 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Hello aglading, and thanks for letting us address your concerns. First let me apologize for the need to backorder from your spring order. Our standard policy is to grow more plants than we think we will need so that we can fill every order through to the end of the season, and not disappoint anyone, ever. Unfortunately, crop problems arise at any time from any direction, and even plants that are ordered early can bump into them. Mother Nature plays a large part in the equation and this year she certainly had her way with us. The long and the short of it is, we strive to do the best we possibly can, and then stand by our guarantee. Please let us know if your fall plants are not gorgeous next spring and we will reship fresh vigorous plants to you or issue a refund, at your discretion. I hope you will allow us this chance to rebuild your trust in us, as the new product line is very exciting!"

I've ordered from Bluestone in past when they sold in 3 paks and have always been pleased with my purchase. Bluestone filled a niche, strong young plants at reasonable prices. There were no other quality mail order nurseries that were offering the same quality and value. Sadly, Bluestone lost it's focus. The very thing that made them unique and great is no more. There is no dispute that their plants are still top notch but unfortunately there is no longer anything that sets them apart from other nurseries. Granted, going 'green' is nice, but do I really need to a pay a premium for the cadillac of biodegradable pots? Where is the value in that? Besides, bidegradable pots in one form or another have been around for years. This isn't exactly new technology. Do I need or even want larger plants? Well, to be honest, not really. I was perfectly happy with smaller plants, they were healthy, well rooted and sturdy. They offered an excellent value and within a year or two proved to be superior to other plants that I paid much more for. I won't go off the deep end and say that I will never order from Bluestone again, but what I can promise you is this- you will no longer be my first choice. Judging by the recent customer comments on this forum it seems as though I am not alone. Please reconsider your marketing tactics. I would hate to see you lose you Garden Watchdog Top 5 rating.

"On Jan 3, 2012 3:14 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thank you for your concern, mikerotell. We still strive to be your first choice for perennials. Our product is now larger with superior root growth compared to our previous 3-pak (wait til you see!) and pricing on the plants that were previously in 3-paks has, obviously and necessarily, gone up. Our goals in all of this were to offer a better plant at a competitive price while improving our impact on the environment. We have looked at options for years that would allow us to quit using huge quantities of plastic, and to get away from the packing peanuts. This new coir pot and its packing carrier fit the bill for both, and as a fringe benefit, is producing plants with fantastic growth and vigor. I hope you will stick with us and give this new product a try - I know you will be impressed!"

You know, as potential customers, we already have the ultimate defense against being overcharged. If the prices are rediculous, don't order anything. There, fixed it.

Sorry Bluestone, maybe your prices are OK with some customers - but not with me. At a time when people are having a hard time buying food for their tables you have eliminated the 3 packs at reasonable prices and replaced them with single plants in single pots whose prices plus shipping are exceeding my comfort level.

Please do not tell me I should have checked neutral! I was anything but feeling neutral after I anticipated and viewed your new catalog!.

You have lost another customer. I will start my own plants from seed and get many more choices than you offer! And I won't go broke in the process!

"On Jan 3, 2012 3:36 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thank you for the honest feedback, yukons_mom. We would never want you to check neutral if you were not feeling neutral. We are truly sorry if you have left us as a customer, but please allow me to mention a few cost saving options. Keep an eye on our specials - often at 50% off - that change every week to 10 days. In addition, we allow you to "build" an order thru the season by adding on to the same order and saving on shipping costs. Our shipping rates are lower than our competitors; an additional help. We then send coupons with orders that can help lower the cost of future purchases. I hope these ideas will help to keep costs down for you and that you will still consider our plants for your garden."

I haven't placed an order with Bluestone Perennials yet but I have been reading many of the customer comments, and in particular the negative comments in reference to their large increase in prices on plants as stated on the Garden Watchdog site and it would seem to me that Bluestone's explanation for their increase in prices was a little lame stating that the newer type of pot costs more. However, since they no longer have to purchase the packaging peanuts used for shipping AND the various size plastic pots wouldn't that HELP to defray the cost of the newer pots? Their increases in prices does seem a little exorbitant. Just wondering!!

It was with much anticipation that I received Bluestone Perennials latest catalog, and with great disbelief that I saw the outrageous price hikes. While I am supportive of biodegradable pots (local garden stores have had them for years), I don't believe this justifies tripling the price of common varieties of plants that, quite honestly can be easily (and now MUCH more cheaply) be obtained elsewhere. How can your company substantiate charging $165.00 for the SAME butterfly garden that was $59.95 two months ago? As a loyal customer who has purchased from Bluestone for quite a few years, and has frequently recommended the company to family and friends, I am disappointed that in light of today's economy, a decision like this would be made. I unfortunately will not be purchasing from Bluestone anymore.

I have been a repeat customer for years and have always been excited when the new catalog arrives. This year, the prices of the first two items I wanted had gone up an average of 64%. How dumb do they think I am? I threw the catalog away and will support my local nurseries in the future. Good bye Bluestone.

Posted on November 7, 2011, updated November 7, 2011
Like many commentators here, I am very disappointed by the changes at Bluestone Perennials. I was shocked to see the hike in prices represented by the new catalog. In the past, I have made a real point to always search out Bluestone Perennials whenever I have been in the market for new plants. My husband and I are young homeowners, and Bluestone was a place where I could purchase items on a budget. Although I knew it meant waiting for smaller plants to grow, it was a real way to fill in a large yard for a family without a great deal of disposable income. This was the niche, the very needed niche, Bluestone filled. I have spent hundreds of dollars over the past few years with a company I felt was performing a real service, and making gardening more affordable for the average person.

I think Bluestone has done a bad thing for their loyal customers. I love the idea of biodegradable pots (although in the past, I have enjoyed using Bluestone's three packs to begin my own vegetable plants for the garden - my own personal recycling program), and I can understand the need to raise prices from time-to-time. But to raise prices so much, all at once - I simply don't get it. I am not generally one to complain about this sort of thing, but this was so egregious and unexpected that it really got my goat.

Now, it will take longer for me to fill my garden. That's OK. I will be doing something that I would encourage others to do as well - start shopping at your local nursery. Why pay the same price (and more with shipping) to a mail-order nursery when you can support a local business? Plus, you can see the plants and make real choices about plant health, etc.

I am sorry to see the changes at Bluestone. I will miss the company I really used to adore and recommend to others.

"On Nov 10, 2011 9:17 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Sorry to hear of your disappointment with our discontinuing our 3 pak line, and our pricing. It is a decision we did not reach lightly. Moving to an earth friendly product does cost more to produce. (There is a reason why everyone uses plastic!) We realize we are ahead of most nursery companies, but we feel strongly that removing all the plastic from our packages it is the right thing to do.

On our pricing, we left our larger pot and shrub size pricing unchanged and now offer a new price break for 3 or more of a variety. Our varieties that used to be in 3-paks did come up in price as the coco-pot is almost 3 times the root zone size and requires double the greenhouse space to produce. Now that we have all our plants in just one size it has allowed us to rid our packaging of those dreaded shipping peanuts, and with the use of pots instead of 3 packs, customers can now purchase in any plant quantity they wish.

Please shop our competitors and compare prices and delivery fees. We think you will quickly see that they are experiencing the same pressures that we are experiencing. If you find a new supplier and we’ve lost you – then we’d like to thank you for your past support. If you do favor us with an order in the future, you’ll see why we’ve made the change to our new 100% biodegradable coco pot. The plant growth is amazing. You’ll also find that we are still the same people, growing a great product, with the same exceptional level of customer support.

"

Posted on September 13, 2011, updated October 17, 2011
This is my first time ordering from Bluestone Perennials, and I can't say that it's been a pleasurable experience. I placed an order for three Lavender Ellegance Sky in August and requested that it arrive the first week of September. I live in Massachusetts, and of course we had a hurricane the weekend before my order was due to ship.

So, I call the first week of September and my order is delayed. Understandable. I reschedule it to ship the following Tuesday the 6th (because of Labor Day), and the rep said it would arrive that Thursday the 8th. I call the following Thursday and the order has not shipped because they "weren't sure" if it could go out, even though I told them there are no mail delays in our area. So we reschedule the order AGAIN to ship the following Monday the 12th, to arrive on Wednesday the 14th.

I call today, Tuesday, because at this point I don't believe my order is ever going to ship. The rep told me the order went out today (not Monday...) and that it will take 5-7 business days. Excuse me?! Why have I been told EVERY OTHER TIME that I will receive this order in TWO days?! How are my plants supposed to survive 7 DAYS in a box without water?! She offered no apologies or explanation as to why I was told it would take two days from other reps.

At this point I am cranky and irritated by this lengthy process, all for three stupid plants. I'll send an update once/if I receive my order...

"On Sep 14, 2011 3:55 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We can certainly appreciate your frustration, khoy. We as a company have never (in 38 years) had to deal with the level of disruption that Irene caused in the shipping stream. We chose to err on side of caution and not burden our storm-beleaguered customers or our shippers by sending a perishable product into a storm ravaged area. Unfortunately, there is no clearing house of information regarding areas that are closed to shipments so we took our best guess and held the shipments to most of the East coast. Who could possibly have predicted that the next week would bring 10" of rain and flooding to the same area? It was a nightmare. I have checked and your package was sent UPS Surepost, and is scheduled to arrive Friday per UPS. I apologize for the misrepresentation of the usual time in transit. Don't hesitate to call us if there is anything less than perfect about your plants when they arrive, since we want to make this right for you despite the numerous delays."

Two years ago I ordered 12 Lobelia 'Ruby Slippers' from Bluestone. The very small plants arrived in the fall, and only 6 survived. But those 6 were so lovely that I didn't complain and promptly ordered 3 more. These were specimens I wouldn't even have given away to anyone (limp, yellowish, fragile); they didn't come through the winter, and this time I did complain, choosing their offer of replacement instead of refund. They're obviously having trouble with this plant. I got a check for $12.50 (less than the cost of the plants) and a coupon. I remember when Bluestone sent you tiny but healthy and very cheap plants. Now they cost what you'd pay anywhere and are measly specimens, at least in my experience (the wedding phlox didn't survive either).

I love this company and although the plants are small-- they are healthy and it is no deterent for me to reorder from them. I have received 4 or 5 orders from them. The plants are consistently healthy, they quickly grow and develop well, and they are nicely packaged. It's obvious that Bluestone takes pride in shipping healthy plants. (I did receive a note from Bluestone about their 'new packaging materials' and did notice the price increases in their fall catalog; however, the price increase is not a deterent to prevent me from ordering from this great company because I am aware of what great plants they ship).

Posted on September 10, 2011, updated September 16, 2011
I am a new customer and placed my first order a week ago. I have absolutely no problem with the prices of the plants or the shipping, I LOVE the selection they offer, the sale items, and the pre-planned gardens which I might try next Spring.

I am eager to received the 15 plants I've ordered and when they arrive I will adjust this review to Positive or Negative depending on the condition that everything arrives in.

Compared to Jung Seeds, which I just received my first order from, I am sure that BS could only be an improvement in both size of the plants and customer service.

The first time I ordered from Bluestone Perennials I was disappointed that the plants came unsecured in a box filled with white styrofoam peanuts. The plants had definitely suffered from their trip but the customer service was very good and they replaced the destroyed plants, the problem was that even some of these replacements suffered because the packing method had not changed. Now I am happy to fine that not only have they changed their packing methods but these must be the best packing methods in the industry. They now use biodegradable coco pots that you can plant directly into the ground (no waste), and each plant is packed separately and secured so the dirt isn't thrown around during transportation and the plants look hydrated and without damage.

This has to be the turn around of all time.

Well done Bluestone! You can count on me in the future and I am just glad I went with my gut and did not cancel future orders. You listened to your customers and you made the necessary changes and now you seem to be ahead of the ball.

My order arrived on time, healthy and complete with the exception of one backorder. The backorder did arrive on the exact date it was scheduled for and was in one of the new coconut pots, which I love. In spite of the severe drought in my region this year, my plants did well, and even thrived, especially the Boltonia Snowbank - this thing was not deterred by dog 'attention', drought, my neglect or an iffy location, and grew from one tiny sprig to a plant that actually looks bigger and better than the picture in the catalog. The biggest problem I have had with the plants I've ordered from Bluestone is their sheer health - they tend to grow so well and enthusiastically, I've had to divide and move several of them to give them more space, or give several of the divisions away to neighbors. I'm an extremely picky consumer, and I can't think of anything negative to say about this company.

Posted on August 31, 2011, updated September 9, 2011
Very negative!

This Spring I ordered Rozanne Geranium. They sent 3 of the wrong plants. They finally filled the order with just one dead plant! Their new pots are horrible! The plants didn't even take root into the pot before shipping and are all dried up and scattered in the box! My replacement Kent Beauty Oregano plants were not in the pot either. Their new mix looks like dried up saw dust. The main pots that are coco are just sitting in the bottom half empty! They didn't even wet the mix!

The only plant that's alive is my Clematis. Bless its little heart.

This company just lost a customer. I don't know what happened to their service but it has fallen drasticaloy!

"On Sep 9, 2011 12:42 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are so sorry to hear your order was incorrect. We are working the bugs out of an entirely new shipping procedure, and there are have been some bumps in the road. I hope you have or will contact us directly as we won't rest until you are satisfied. We have hopefully fixed the problem of plants going out too dry, so I hope you will allow us to reship. A refund is also available to you, but I hope you will give us a second chance to get it right."

Just received th Heuchera I ordered and was thoroughly disappointed. Their new packing was used and my plant roots were all dried up in fact it fell out of that "pot" and I had dusty dry dirt all over my floor. Unhappy,may not order again.

"On Sep 8, 2011 3:37 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Please be in touch with our office as your plants are guaranteed and we can reship or refund as you see fit. We have made some 'tweaks' to our packaging and what you experienced should not happen again."

I have been ordering plants from Bluestone for a few years now. I appreciated the low prices of the 3-packs and have had much success with their plants. I was dismayed to see the price hikes this fall, like others were, but I just received a shipment of 3 Ceratostigma in the new coco pots, which was from a backorder from last spring. The plants are very nice - big and healthy looking. I was unsure if they were going to charge me the new prices since this was a backorder from spring when the prices were lower and the plants were smaller. But they sent the bigger plants in the new pots and only charged me the spring prices. They are a good, reliable, responsive company. Although I probably won't order as many plants as I have in the past due to the higher prices, I will certainly still continue to order from them.

Posted on May 20, 2005, updated August 18, 2011
I just received my order from them and they are all looking healthy. Some of the perennials and shrubs are a bit small but at least they’re not dead.
And their prices are a bargain.
Will order from them again as I have for the past 3-4 years.

Posted on May 7, 2009, updated August 16, 2011
I got my first order from Bluestone today. The plants were all healthy and all the soil was moist. I water them all (as instructed) and put them out under the deck. I am a gardening novice and the information that came with the order is priceless.

The only negative was the catalogue.........now I am coveting.