Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

I placed a large order with Bluestone and the box arrived half smashed. I opened the box and many plants were broken into bits. I called Bluestone and they were great. Everything that hadn't survived the UPS truck ride was replaced, no questions asked, didn't need photos etc.
I am also very appreciative of a company that reuses there packing supplies. Send back the box. peanuts and even the plastic packs the plants came in, with the label they include and receive shipping incentive for your next order.

WOW. This is an awesome company. They are fast, friendly and carry first rate products. I could not be more pleased with each and every order I have placed. The only minor aggravation is diggin through all those packing peanuts just because they fly all over creation. But that is well worth the treasure that lies at the bottom of the box. Way to go, Bluestone! You guys are the best!

This year, for the first time, I purchased plants and seeds by mail rather than waiting for my local garden centers to get their stock. I ordered from 3 companies: Bluestone, White Flower Farm, and Burpee. I've reviewed all three.

I ordered several plants on-line from Bluestone: two clematis and three packs each of Gaillardia, Coreopsis, and Echinacea. When I called the company about my order and the rep learned that I'd hoped to receive the plants in time to plant them before I left on vacation, she made a special effort to rush my order (during a very hectic shipping time) which I greatly appreciated. (White Flower Farm did the same thing.- Burpee was another story. See that review.)

The plants arrived quickly, were well-packaged and in good shape. The plants are small but the prices are good, so they are still a good value, and they arrived in mostly good condition. The Gaillardia was a little wilted but revived quickly in the ground. I planted everything about three weeks ago and the Gaillardia already has buds on it.

My rating for this company is positive. Prompt shipping, good customer service, and plants that are a good value. I would definitely order again.

I have been ordering from Bluestone Perennials for 14 years and have always had excellent results. Their customer service is awesome. Plants arrive in excellent condition and thrive once in the ground. Plant sizes are small, but quality great. My 1/2 acre garden is made up mostly of plants from them. If for whatever reason the plants dont make it despite your best care, a simple email always results in a no questions asked money back/replacement guarantee. I have shopped with other online nurseries before, but this is the only one I use and recommend to all my gardening friends. Highly recommended.

Posted on April 8, 2010, updated May 25, 2010
I ordered 20+ perennials from Bluestone a couple of weeks ago and requested that they send them at their earliest mailing date for my region. They arrived as scheduled, with emails sent ahead of time letting me know when to expect them and letting me track the package so I could ask my husband to go directly home from work to unpack them on the day they were to arrive.

I didn't see the packaging because my husband unpacked them, but he said that it was very good and that only 1 plant was a little dry, even though we had temps in the 80s for most of that week (highly abnormal for this part of VA this time of year). All of the plants arrived in good shape, and those that have been planted are doing fine, even though we had record-breaking (93+) temps this past week. I'd been worried that such little plants wouldn't stand a chance in this heat so soon after being planted, but I've been watering them every day and they're looking great.

Note that the plants were extremely healthy, but SMALL compared to what I usually would buy at a local garden store. I ordered because they carried varieties that I had never seen locally. They are a good value (so far) for that type of purchase, but for more common varieties, I'll stick with the local garden store.

I'll definitely order again.

The easiest gardening website I found to use with complete information and unbelievably large and clear photos of every plant. Plants are very good quality and well packed. In half a dozen orders, I have never been disappointed.

I have been buying from Bluestone for about 18 years and have always been extremely pleased . The few times I have had a problem with a plant they have been quick to replace it with no hassles. I only wish they also dealt in seeds and other garden plants as their service and quality is tip-top.

Awesome plants-awesome service-fast shipping-beautiful catalog-thank you!

My daughter has ordered from this company several times with good results. So, I expected the same when I placed my first order with them this spring.

I was surprised when my Looking Glass Brunera arrived after being taped into a dark box for five days looking yellowed, wilted, brown and spindly. They looked like they belonged on the bargain shelf at Walmart. My Hydrangeas looked healthier than the latter, but were amazingly small (only 3-4 inches across).

I sent them an email a couple of days ago and still have not heard from them. Disappointing considering what I paid. . .

"On May 22, 2010 10:55 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are so sorry your plants arrived in poor condition and we are reshipping your entire order at no charge immediately. Upon tracking your package, I see your shipment was rerouted, probably causing an additional day (or two) in the box. We generally get 2 day service to your area. I also apologize that the volume of email at this time of year delayed you getting a same-day reply - please be assured that the reshipment was already in process based on your original email. I trust the shipment will go smoothly this time, but please don't hesitate to be in touch again - we will always make every effort to make it right."

I've bought from Bluestone for 4 years now. Every order comes in super healthy, extra care is also shown in how the plants are placed "in the box" so all arrive perfect, they ALL appear to be "fresh" out the soil. I really was amazed. Every one of them survived and thrived during my 4 years dealing with Bluestone. Customer Service is excellent, although I only needed to call to add more plants to my order. One Echinacea plant was backordered for Fall 2010, but they just shipped it stating they found one "and hope this doesn't disturbe your Spring planting schedule." It didn't. If I ran an online nursery I'd model it after Bluestone Perennials. I'm picky.

Ordered numerous and various perenials, and they were great. the 3 packs and the singles were nice sized plants with great roots. Good packing that wasn't cumbersome.

Posted on May 15, 2010, updated May 16, 2010
This is my second year ordering from Bluestone. Again I am quite pleased with my selections. I ordered from several sales, one I believe in Jan, and another late Feb. They automatically combined my orders. Now this shouldn't be cause for applause but considering all the internet sellers who don't even confirm your order, I was very pleased to see this. They kept me updated when it came to shipping time, and the plants were only in transit one day (well I do live in Ohio).

One comment about the packing peanuts. They make me crazy too. Of course we opened the box and they went flying. They are biodegradable, as noted in the BStone info. In fact, I found two that had already done so, the next mornig in my front yard, after the rain. Only tiny pieces left which dissolved when I picked them up.
Also not that if you return the box and packing materials you receive free shipping on your next order.
BStone is one of the few nurseries to stil grow almost all their own plants. They are my go to place for all my standard pernennials, and some new ones to try out..

You can't go wrong! Nice peple, good plants, safe shipping and a guarantee that works. Thanks Bluestone!

"On May 15, 2010 1:18 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thank you, clpgirl, for the glowing review, but I have to warn that our peanuts are NOT biodegradable. Hence our recycling offer. We have found that the biodegradable peanuts break down in the warm wet inside the boxes and do not protect the plants sufficiently in transit . I am glad your plants arrived in great condition and I apologize for having to use packing peanuts. I hope you will send them back so that we can use them again!

I ordered my plants from Bluestone for Spring 2009 delivery. I ordered 3 types of grasses, and one type of flower. Everything arrived looking healthy. One flowering plant died soon afterward. However, the company replaced it, and in a very prompt manner.

The grasses I ordered were Dwarf Blue Fescue, Dwarf Fountain Grass, and Morning Light . They did fantastic, and I am looking forward to seeing their beauty again this year. I was amazed at how much they grew and how good they looked for plants that were just a few weeks into the ground.

Now for the negative part of my experience. I am working on a spot where I want all blue flowers. Not purple, but blue. Even though the photo showed blue flowers, prior to making my order, I called Bluestone to be sure of the color. I was told that yes, the flowers would be blue.

They are not. The plant name is Campanula Blue Clips. This is not a case of a flower being so purple that perhaps some would call it blue. The purple shade is slightly darker than a lilac, and not even close to blue.

That was a pretty big disappointment. Even though the plants are healthy, I am going to have to dig them up, as they are not what I want for that area.

The plants are very healthy on arrival and were well packed. A quality operation!

Just received my first order today. Plants were well packed and arrived showing no stress at all. Communication was excellent. They kept me informed of when my order was shipped and when I should expect it. I couldn't be happier and will be a return customer.

Wonderful company to deal with!! Great customer service!

I placed my very first order of four plants from Bluestone (based on Garden Watchdog reviews) in early September 2009. I received the order in late September. Unfortunately one plant was backordered & two had a bug problem. I was disappointed & concerned that I'd made a mistake. I called customer service & explained the problem. They couldn't have been more accommodating! They gave me several options & I decided to have the plants reshipped in spring. Even though one of the plants was fine, they insisted on sending another one, "just-in-case". I planted the first one last Autumn & it is now coming up beautifully.

I placed another, much larger, order about a week ago, adding to it by phone several times. Most of the items were on special, many at 50% off. Because I already had replacements coming from last Autumn, they didn't charge me any additional shipping, even though it was a much larger order.

I just received the huge box earlier today. Everything was carefully packaged. Most everything looks very good. Some items are quite large, much larger than expected. A few of the items showed some signs of stress & too much moisture, but should be just fine when planted. Just in case, I called to let them know. Cathy contacted one of the nurserymen just to make sure the plants would be O.K., but assured me that if I'm dissatisfied, even after they've been planted for a while, to let them know & they'd take care of it.

Oh, one more thing. I ordered three shrubs & they included little fertilizer tablets for each one. I don't know, maybe that's a common practice, but I'm impressed.

I will definitely be doing business with Bluestone Perennials again & will be recommending them.

Posted on May 7, 2010, updated May 7, 2010
Posted on May 7, 2010, updated May 7, 2010
Posted on May 4, 2010, updated May 7, 2010
I have ordered from this company many times and have always been satisfied with the quality of both the plants and the service. This year, I think Bluestone outshone even their own good record. I placed an order in February, knowing that I would be out of state during the two weeks of prime planting time for our area. I sent a message to Bluestone with the order, asking if we could establish an exact shipping date in May so I could be assured that someone would be available to care for the plants when they arrived. They emailed me back immediately and we decided on a shipping date that would work for me. This week, Bluestone shipped the plants on exactly the date they promised way back in February, even though that is outside their normal shipping time for our zone. Great customer service!

Posted on April 24, 2010, updated May 5, 2010
I placed my first order based on reviews here. The plants arrived in great shape and were as described. Unfortunately, none of one variety of rudbeckia that I planted survived the winter. The customer service was quick and top notch resolving the problem right away. I would not hesitate to order from them again...when I can figure out where to put more plants!

Received 2 butterfly bushes & some rasp.surprise dianthus today, all arrived in great shape...Nice healthy leaves on the buddelia butterfly plants...Will plant as suggested in 2 days after the plants rest out on the porch..

This is my first time ordering from Bluestone Perennials, but I will definitely be placing another order. Everything I bought was on special, so quite a bargain and I even had a coupon for 3 mystery plants. All plants were received in good condition and quite a bit larger than I had expected. The 3 mystery plants are awesome; love every one of them and cannot wait to plant my order.

Posted on May 9, 2009, updated April 27, 2010
Thankyou! Everything looked really healthy! Thankyou for sending them out a day early too! (It's nice to have you so close where I live. I think next time I'll have to take a drive up and check out your nursery lol).
I ordered a lot of perennials. Campanula's, Sweet William's, Forget-me-nots, Rebecca Clematis, Lavendula Munstead, and I can't remember what else (alzheimer's setting in lol). They all look great!

Thanks again

I have ordered from Bluestone Perennials the last two years.

I noticed some comments from other users about size and price. First, I don't think it is realistic to expect nursery sized plants from mail order (the shipping would be way too expensive). They very clearly state the size and age in their FAQ (//www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/faq.html#old ).

Compared to another mail order company Spring Hill (which I ordered from once), Bluestone plants are much bigger and more vigorous. If anyone is aware of a mail order firm that provides better value I would be interested, and surprised. Compared to my local Nurseries (Boston) Bluestone has a large selection and less expensive and smaller plants (which is exactly what I want). I want to build an interesting garden over time, I don’t need everything done this year.

Last year I ordered Hosta, Toad Lily, Clematis, and Ligularia (which the slugs loved even more than I did). They are all back this year and better than ever (except the Ligularia which was eaten to the ground). This year I ordered Heuchera, Polemonium, and Bergenia, and a replacement Ligularia which I will keep the slugs away from.

Bluestone has provided an excellent source of plants for me, and I look forward to visiting some time when we drive from Boston to Chicago.

I recommend them, Diane's seeds (which I found through the Watchdog), and White Flower Farms (which is expensive, and I found through my mom) without question.

Bluestone replaced two shrubs that I purchased last year. One had died and the other was not doing very well. They sent two news ones with free shipping on my new order as well. No hemming or hawing over anything! Thank you so much. You are the best.

Ordered over $100 worth of plants after receiving their catalog in the mail. Prices seemed a bit high, but they had a selection I couldn't find elsewhere. Upon placing my order I was given a rough time frame when my order would be shipped (mid-late April), then I received an email confirming that it had shipped. My plants arrived in good health, although a little wilted because they were stuck with the shipper over the weekend. i followed the instructions with the order and they perked right up after watering.

My only complaint would be that the plants were awfully small for the money I paid. Upon opening the box I initially thought it was a rotten deal. It sure didn't seem like I got much for my money. But after planting everything it turned out to be more than I initially thought, and I'll definately use them again if I need something hard to find. For common plants you'd probably be best finding somplace cheaper.

I've ordered from this company many times, but this was the first time in several years. My experience was no different from every other time: there were no mistakes in the order, it arrived at the right time for my area (it probably helps that I live in an adjacent state) and the plants arrived looking so good I wondered, again, if they really sent em through the mail or if they personally drove them over and inserted the box gently in my mailbox just before I got there...

I placed a huge order for my dad and myself and was a little worried because I have not had such great luck with mail order nurseries in the past couple of years. But these plants look healthy and large. They are well developed and have very large roots and were packed carefully with minimal damage--just a few lost leaves--that's to be expected. And since the plants were so healthy it won't be a problem. My only suggestion would be that they switch to a more earth-friendly material; I dislike those styrofoam pieces. I am very pleased and in fact just placed an order for a few more plants. I like that they tell you what's available and whether something is sold out so you don't go through the hassle of ordering a plant and finding out weeks later that it was out-of-stock. Bluestone is located in Ohio and I'm in PA so that's another reason I think everything arrived in good shape.

"On Apr 24, 2010 10:06 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thanks for the nice comments, MartBright! We offer a recycling program on our packing peanuts, and if you will send them back to us, we will send you a voucher for free shipping on your next order with us, and we will re-use the peanuts. Look for the form in your box. Happy Earth Day (two days late)!"

I placed a large order for shade perennials last spring. They all arrived in good condition, carefully packed, on the specified date. Although I was initially worried by their small size, they thrived once I planted them and are very vigorous this spring. However, the forget-me-nots and Ajuga didn't come up and I emailed BP to request replacements. I received an answer the following day stating they will be sending the replacements next week. I am very impressed by their excellent customer service and the quality of their plants. Their website and catalog are also easy to use and include helpful information (ie zone, sun/shade, bloom time, pruning tips etc.) for the gardener. I will be a return customer.

Plants arrived in good condition. I have ordered from them many times over the years, and I think the shrubs are the best value for the money.

My new perennial bed is completely planted with plants from BP. I followed the directions that came with the order and had success. Only one or two plants looked like they were not going to make it for a little while, because it is already unusually hot here in TN, but after watering them thoroughly every evening they perked back up and they are less sensitive to daytime heat by now. Great plant quality for a mail order! My Mock Orange is in bloom already and I can't wait to see how all the others develop! I will definitely be a returning customer! Thanks!!!

This company really cares about you as a customer. I received a weigela from them this week. It was in beautiful condition and the packaging was the best I have ever experienced. Included in the potted plant was a fertilizer pellet which was a wonderful surprise. I also received some coupons to use on future orders. I will use this company again.

I have ordered from several online companies with mixed experiences, but this was my first time ordering from Bluestone.
I received a gorgeous catalog from the company, and decided to give them a try. The catalog and website are very professional and informative with great pictures and planting tips for the plants they offer. The ordering process was very user friendly and EASY. They sent a confirmation email right away, with an estimated shipping date for my region.

When the proper shipping time arrived, they sent an email with a tracking number, and the package arrived on time. Plants were very well packed; they were happy-looking and still moist, but definately ready to get out of the box!
The plants appeared small, but had very large root systems, which is the most important part for healthy perennials! The clematis plants were growing well and over a foot long--challenging to mail, but they arrived undamaged.

I highly recommend this company. My only regret is the size of my garden...I believe my lawn will be getting smaller soon--Thanks, Bluestone!

very good product. ordered from them last year. good packaging

Be aware that plants are young, first year plants (or at least everything I got was first year), so may not flower the first year. The size is not made readily clear, and while the plants seem sort of expensive, a lot of times you are actually getting 3, not 1. If you wait until after spring to order, you can get great deals, but the plants might be a bit tired from not being potted on, but I have only had one plant die - it might just take a little longer for end of season plants to settle in.

I'd have no problem recommending Bluestone to a friend.

Love this company. While the plants may be small they were all healthy, and everyone of them survived the winter without special attention. Actually one did not come back, only because my dog dug it up! Everything I have bought from them has done well. Great products, great service.

Early last year, I placed 2 orders through the Bluestone Perennials website: 1 for spring perennials and 1 for fall bulbs. The plants arrived in the spring exactly when I expected them to, well-packaged, and healthy. I thought the styrofoam popcorn was rather clever, as it molded to each plant and kept them secure with minimal injury. Recently, while going through some old papers, I noticed that they encourage customers to return the styrofoam packaging to Bluestone and they will reuse it and discount my future order. How eco-friendly! I will be returning mine soon. One of the little plants never really thrived and eventually died. Since discovering that the plant was not doing well, I traded numerous emails with Jan, who offered much helpful advice. She invariably answered each email within 24 hrs., despite the busy season. Alas, she concluded that this particular plant was not performing well for them either, and offered me an extremely generous replacement plant (or a full refund). The replacement plant was gorgeous and arrived almost immediately. The fall bulbs, too, arrived in a timely manner and in beautiful condition. Both orders had completely understandable mistakes: an incorrect plant and a missing package of bulbs. Both errors were very quickly corrected, and I was even permitted to keep the incorrect plant! I am thoroughly satisfied with my experience with Bluestone. Whether I called their customer service number or emailed them a message, I always received quick, courteous treatment, and I felt like they genuinely valued my business. I have since placed a modest order for this spring (modest b/c the healthy plants from last spring have filled much of the available space in my yard), and cannot wait to do further business with Bluestone Perennials!

I purchased a number of plants in Spring 2009 from Bluestone. Because I was going to be away when my plants were scheduled to ship, I wrote to the company requesting a change in shipping date. After a bit of email confusion, they cheerfully accommodated my request. Score one for Bluestone!

When my plants arrived, I noticed that some of the plants did look a bit ragged, but I read through the materials that Bluestone sends with every order, followed their directions to give the plants some water and a few days outdoors in a shady spot, and they did perk up. I planted them, and although they seemed a little worse for the wear at first, they quickly settled in and took off. I figure they must be healthy plants to rebound from stress so easily, and with no extra care or fuss from me other than keeping them watered.

Of the numerous plants that I ordered, three ajuga did not fare well and eventually died. (But, as I said, I didn't baby them. Had I tended them more carefully, who knows?) Bluestone has an unconditional guarantee, so I wrote them to tell them about the loss. They immediately shipped me out 3 new ajuga with no questions asked. These three plants not only survived but thrived.

Mail order nurseries are not for everyone, but I do feel that Bluestone provided a great bargain and helped me fill in a lot of empty spaces in my garden quickly. Overall, working with them was a very positive experience.

I want to complement Bluestone Perrenials on their fast service and standing behind their guarantee. I ordered a special last fall on three clematis plants, planted them according to directions and all three "disappeared" in January. I don't know what happened to them. I emailed the company and within 24 hours or so they replied and said that they were sending replacements free of charge this spring planting season here in Tidewater Virginia!

Posted on June 24, 2009, updated January 16, 2010
I've gotten lots of good and great plants from Bluestone, most at half price, and many of those have outperformed the plants I bought from other companies. I have been treated so well by them and their great customer service I have almost been spoiled for dealing with other companies.

I haven't given them any credit-or deserved good ratings, until now. So this is lots & lots of belated good ratings.

If Bluestone's plants are small at first, they don't stay that way. A good many other companies have sent me smaller-or worse- dead plants while charging much more. Or sent plants which I am sure left them alive-more than three weeks before.

Bluestone on the other hand, ships on Monday and I know the plants will be here, in Idaho, by that Friday. They will ship on any Monday I specify, as long as it is within the season they normally ship plants or bulbs by.

I make sure someone (usually me) is here on the Friday my plants will arrive, to open the box, remove the plants, water them well and place them in a protected spot.

If the plants looked sad at first, generally they are looking ok in a day. If they still look sad after a day or two, I call customer service & talk it over. They might recommend I plant the plants & see how they do in say a month. But IF I don't want to, IF I am still unhappy, I get a refund. I have never had to return anything to get a refund. Not plants, not packing slips, not receipts-nada.

If my credit card was not credited I would simply call again & tell Bluestone. I have never had that problem, my credit cards have always been credited quickly.

If you keep your styrofoam (sp?) peanuts & your boxes, Bluestone sends (with the plants) a label and information on returning packing stuff to Bluestone for a recycling credit. Each credit = free shipping on another order. Even if you (like me) sometimes lose the credit after they send it to you-they keep a record of how many credits you have. (Note: I am not recommending you not try to keep track of credits.)

You do have to pay to return the (sans plants) box and peanuts. But YOU can send your boxes the cheapest (ie, probably slowest) way possible. For me that has been parcel post. If you have lost the label Bluestone sent, you can print another from their website. Maybe it's not a perfect system, but it's recycling that pays.

This system only works if you like Bluestone's plants and want to order again. As it happens, I do.

I have ordered from Bluestone Perennials for many years. First perennial plants, then shrubs. All are doing well, some growing slower than hoped for; like Major Mount Airy frothergilla and some have exceeded my expectations; like Caryopteris. Out of numerous plants only one kind ever died, it was Euportorium and I never told them about it! I now start most of my perennials from seed, but I do by an occassional something I have to have that I can't find seeds for.