Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

Second year I ordered from Bluestone. When I received my order, 11 of the 50 plants were yellowed and scrawny looking. I e-mailed the company and they sent replacements immediately that were very healthy and looked great. No debating my judgment or handling of the plants. I also like their policy on returning the packing peanuts for shipping credit.

I placed an order in mid March for late April delivery. They shipped it out on the Monday they said they would and I received it on Wednesday. The order was rather large; 9 hydrangeas and 7 groups of three perennials. All were healthy except one of the three buxoms. I called the company and they sent out a replacement immediately!

Most of the plants are already twice their original size; and some are blooming already for being small.

I would recommend ordering from them.

I ordered from Bluestone Perennials after reading comments here. Since I read they were small, I decided to put in a small order (less than $40) to see the quality, etc.

I was very very happy.

The order came within the week (ordered Monday, arrived Thursday), it was well packaged, and they were extremely healthy looking. I watered immediately and placed in garage until Saturday when I planted them. Every single one looks great (albeit small).

I am a patiet gardener so I don't mind the size especially since they are very healthy.

I placed another order with them on Monday (big order) ... can't wait to get the box at my door :)

Perhaps it's because I was born in Madison, Ohio, but I'm now a Bluestone convert for my mail order purchases.
All my Bluestone bulbs planted last fall (zone 4, Montana) have come up and are doing beautifully. Likewise, the plants I ordered subsequently (thanks for the coupons!) shipped just fine, arriving two weeks ago, as agreed when I ordered. Bluestone is the first mail order company I've dealt with that ships on Monday so that my plants were here by Friday and not languishing in some "service center".
I was particularly thrilled that the "six" siberian irises I ordered came to something more like 20, given the number of stems in each pot. My experience with other companies has been that you plant a headless root mass, hoping that half might reappear the following year. Thanks Bluestone!

I ordered a lot of astilbes this spring. They were chosen for color, height and bloom time. When Bluestone Perennial's order came I was busy. I unpacked it and set it aside. A few days later I took my planting chart out and got ready to plant. Only two astilbe that I ordered were there. The other six were an assortment pack. I planted them anyway and called the company. They were very nice and asked if I still wanted the six I hadn't recieved. I said that would be great! A few days later they arrived. Free of charge. They also sent my original order form, and I had indeed ordered the assortment pack. I was overwhelmed! Being an honest person, I sent payment since it was my mistake.

$43.00 worth of flowers to keep a customer happy. I'm still overwhelmed. All the plants in my order were a good size, well watered and healthy. I will stay with this company!

I've purchased from many mail-order sources, and Bluestone is hands-down my favorite. Their plants are small, but nearly-always thrive (certainly at least as often as larger plants from other companies), typically cost one-third or half the price (even less if you catch one of their sales), shipping is dramatically cheaper than most other sources, and their guarantee is unmatched by anyone. The only problem is it's hard to stop buying from them... it's like potato chips--"you can't eat just one" :-P

I received two very nicely packed and healthy looking plants from Bluestone Perennials; hardy gardenia and calycanthus floridus. They even included plant food in their package and coupons also. A very good company to work with.

I placed a small order with Bluestone after seeing them listed as Top 30 company on this site. I got the plants yesterday, right on time with when I requested they be shipping. Packing was great. But the plants are REALLY small. The lupines I got are exceptionally small and honestly I'll be surprised if they make it. I also ordered hollyhocks which are also small but look healthier than the lupines. The rose campion came in what Bluestone calls a "jumbo" pot and those are a nice size (actually about the size I expected everything to be).

I knew from reading the reviews here not to expect huge plants, but honestly I didn't realize they'd be like this, and I don't really feel like it was a particularly great value for the money. I will say their customer service is excellent and if I do order from them again that will be the reason.

I placed my first order with Bluestone Perennials this year and my order arrived about 2 weeks ago. I ordered about 25 plants and all arrived healthy. I planted all of them two days after they arrived and all are growing . I am extremely pleased with the quality of the plants and the prices. I will definately order from them again!!

Many of the "backbone" perennials in my garden have been purchased at Bluestone, and are absolutely thriving. After a year or two, the small plants Bluestone sends out are the same size as others bought at the time in a gallon size.

As others here have noted, there is something about the roots of these small Bluestone plants that causes them to just take off in the garden---

I have purchased a number of perennials locally in gallon containers that have a lot of top growth, but that languish in the garden because the roots are not developed enough to support the top growth. I suspect these locally bought perrenials have been given a big shot of fertilizer high in nitrogen shortly before being put out for sale. This makes they look good in the pot, but causes real problems when they are planted in the soil.

Of course, what we are purchasing are the roots, not the top growth, and, in my opinion, Bluestone sends out superior roots.

In addition to having an excellent product, the customer service at Bluestone can't be beat. This spring, I had ordered some Agastache to be shipped out on a particular Monday. The Sunday evening before the plants were to be shipped, I learned that snow and ice were headed to CT. I sent them an e-mail at 5AM the day of the shipment asking them to hold off a week. Later that morning, they let me know that the ship date was "changed as requested." Now, this is very responsive service!

Bluestone also stands behind thier product 100%. Unlike some other vendors, they truly want their customers to be happy, and offer a full guarantee on their plants.

I highly recommend Bluestone Perrenials, and plan on doing business with them for many years to come.

I ordered two Claire de Lune Clematis plants in early Spring. They arrived right on schedule. At first glance, they looked dead. They were very small, with some dead looking foliage tied to a little stick. But I planted them anyway, just in case and they promptly put up some fresh green shoots. They have been in my garden now for a couple of months and seem to be doing just fine. They are babies, so I don't expect blooms this year, but they are growing vigorously and don't seem to have any problems. Would definitely try Bluestone again.

This is my second year ordering from Bluestone. Last year I bought some perennial plants and was satisfied with them, if not overwhelmed. This year I bought two clematis and several pretty bushes. Honestly, I found bigger clematis, that were already blooming, at Home Depot for less. Still, the two I got from Bluestone are doing quite well. I was very impressed with the bushes! I got a blue muffin and a beauty berry (and it seems like one more, thought I can't remember off the top of my head) Anyway, they began growing immediately and look VERY healthy! I agree with the comment about their catalogue being confusing. I can't imagine who in the company looks at that layout and says, "yes, that's great." But, apparently, they don't think it's confusing. I don't even look at it anymore, but rather go online and use their search engine. They don't seem to have the fabulous deals some other companies have, but the prices are reasonable. All in all, quite pleased with this company. :-)

I placed an order with them back in Feburary for spring delivery, plus added an additional plant to the order later, for a total of 13 plants. Had no problems other than my mistake in entering credit card information. They called and we got it corrected.

I knew from reading reviews here the plants would be small and they were. I was a little concerned, but all seem to be growing well. I have had 1 Rudbeckia Goldstrum die but not a big deal to me. 1 out of 13 is pretty good survival rate for me!

I have just placed another order for one more item. It something I have not been able to find locally and had ordered it it from another nursery but they suffered crop failure for this particular plant.

I found Bluestone Perennials to be a good buy for me since I was starting with absolutely nothing at a new home. Their pricing may it possible for me to have more plants and I am willing to give them time to grow and mature.

Received my plants yesterday.I knew they would be small,but I didn't expect to see such wonderful root systems. Great plants and so reasonable. Just wish they had let me know about a back ordered item. They e-mailed to let me know the order was shipping, but no mention that it was shipping short one of my choices.

Bravo! I was extremely happy with my plants which arrived healthy and green and started growing practically before I got them out of the box. I was equally (or possibly even more) pleased with the policy of allowing customers to return the packaging materials to be reused in exchange for a free S&H voucher for a future order. I look for every opportunity to recycle, and it's a big challenge in my community. I think this is a great idea that should be adopted by more mailorder companies. This was my first experience with Bluestone, but I will definitely be a repeat customer!

I ordered several grasses from BP this past fall and planted them immediately upon arrival. Due undoubtedly to the brutal winter we experienced in here in central Ohio none of them sent up new growth this spring. I probably should've put a much thicker layer of mulch on them. At any rate, I contacted BP a few weeks back to see whether or not they should be showing new growth. After a few e-mail exchanges they are replacing them for free which is wonderful.

Ecellent Communication. Quick Delivery. Lots of literature and information provided with plants. Highly Recommend.

I have ordered from Bluestone in both spring and fall for about 5 years and I love them! The plants have been healthy and those that fail are rapidly and cheerfully replaced by the company. Yes, they are small; but what else should one expect when you're paying maybe $11 for 3 whereas you'd pay $11 or more for one large one in a local nursery? When you use their coupons, their early order discount, and their recycling (free shipping) credit, they provide the absolute best value anywhere! I LOVE this company!!!!

I order regularly from Bluestone for their reliability and the savings (and joy) of getting smaller plants and growing them myself. Compared with same-tier nurseries (e.g. Plant Delights, Forest Farm), the prices and shipping are a great value.

I've had no trouble at all with the service end. In fact, when I placed a new order last spring and told them a value pack of tulip bulbs I planted in the fall had completely bombed out, they deducted the full amount from the order I was placing without my asking. I'd assumed it was my own inexperience and the weird winter weather we had, but they made it good, and I appreciate that.

The penstemon plants I got last fall arrived in good condition and have established easily here in Durham NC (7b) over the winter. Prairie Dusk has buds on it already, and the Iron Maiden is bushing out beautifully. Some frikert's aster plants were potted up for winter, planted out this spring, and are coming back strong.

This spring I ordered Orchid Frost Lamium and Nimbus Geranium. Both came in good condition and waited patiently for weather conditions to dry up enough to plant them. They're establishing well, with the lamium already blooming and the geranium making lovely fresh foliage to dress up a dry slope.

I've ordered from this company for several years now. The plants are always received promptly and in wonderful condition. I will continue to patronize this company and highly recommend it to others!!

My second order with Bluestone went as well as the first, perhaps even better. They delayed my shipment because they saw the weather here would delay getting my order in the ground upon arrival. Indeed -- it rained most of the week. The shipment arrived a week later -- everything was intact and moist. The clematis had lost a few leaves and one stem broke in transit. I will continue to do business with Bluestone.

My only complaint is that their plants seem to be on the smallish side, meaning that my overall cost is higher and the plants take longer to reach maturity. However, Bluestone's selection seems large (to my amateur's eyes), so the trade-off is worth it. It means a lot to me that my garden won't look like everyone else's.

I placed a "try them out" order for some Etain Violets. I was kept informed regarding my order and was sent an email advising when they shipped which I appreciated because I could watch for the postman and open the box right away. They were packed quite well but I was a little concerned when I saw they looked a bit wilted and the soil was bone dry. I don't know if this dry condition was an oversight or their practice when shipping. I got them planted immediately and gave them a good soaking. They've recovered nicely. I was pleased with my first time order and will most likely order again.

Amazing speed. My order was processed and shipped the Monday after I placed a weekend order on the website. I ordered some website specials and also received a 20% discount offer on the non-special items. My only disappointment was that one item I had spotted was already sold out. The items were very well packed and arrived at the end of the week in good condition. They are starter plants, but after a couple of days are already shaking off their travel trauma and seem to be doing quite well. I'm more than willing to wait a while for the little guys to grow up, especially given the variety and prices offered.

I have ordered oak leaf hydrangeas from Bluestone and yes they are small, but I got them for far less than the local garden center was charging and after last summer's growth, they are now just as big. I sometimes find that small plants do better in the long run and you don't have to dig such a big hole!

This is the first year I have mail ordered plants, so I picked out a handful of companies and placed smaller orders with each. The order from Bluestone Perennials arrived the fastest of the companies and were exactly as described. The box had been so seriously battered during shipping that the bottom was almost open. I expected the worst when I opened it, but the plants were packed better than most I have received and look good and appear healthy.

Placed an order for the Perennial Border kit. All the plants arrived in great condition and have been doing well (so far). I plan on ordering again. With each order, they request that you send back the packing peanuts. In return, they mail you a voucher for free shipping on your next order. They also include a coupon book that can be used on future orders. Overall, I have been very pleased. Unlike the nursery "Way" on the "Side".

Going by the reviews, I thought I would give this company a try, so I sent a small order. Most of the plants showed up yellow and limp. E-mailed the company about the poor condition, but they made no offer to replace or give me even a partial credit. About half of them died outright, and only a couple of the other plants has shown any sign of coming back this spring. I have had much better luck with plants from Walmart, than these. And judging by the size of the plant compared to the price, Walmart is unfortunately the better value.
Nice catalog, but I doubt I will order from it again.

I bought: Achillea Gold Plate, Coreopsis Early Sunrise, a Middle Ridge Hosta, a Rosy Lights Azalea and some Veronica (since my name is Veronica I tend to buy that a lot LOL!!).

Everything was happy and healthy, of good size. Order was prompt. Will order from Bluestone again!!!

I have placed 2 fairly large orders with Bluestone this spring. I like their selection and prices and found their plants to be healthy and good sized. Out of the 106 plants I ordered only 1 aquilegia was in sad shape and failed to survive. The folks at Bluestone replaced it promptly upon my request. The rest of the plants have coasted through some wild temperature swings and really filthy unseasonal weather this spring and my new yard expansion is going to look fabulous. The only thing I don't like about Bluestone is their packaging. The styrofoam peanuts are a pain and don't really protect delicate leaves and flower stems well, but the leaf damage seems to be superficial and the plants that were slightly battered have recovered with no problem. I will continue to order from this company

I have been a loyal Bluestone customer for many years, and will continue for many years more. Their plant quality is 1st-rate, their plant selection is outstanding, their customer service is helpful and courteous, and they are quick to remedy any problems that might arise, without a hassle. They also have great bonus coupons and spring specials.

This is a saavy company who knows that good products and good service make for lifelong customers!

Mixed experiences. Good prices but small plants, not always the best value in the end. Mortality rate is pretty high: verbena bonariensis just fine though top cut off for shipping; Coreopsis Golden Gain so tiny they disappeared after planting; Knautia macedonia 1 of 3 survived; Centranthus ruber 1 damaged during shipping and died; Aruncus good sized 3 of 3 okay. Clematis Jackmanni was poor value for money; Home Depot generally has much bigger plants for a few dollars more.

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As with pinnae below, I hope evanpowens will be in touch with us to let us make good on our guarantee. We will reship or refund immediately."

I just received my first order from Bluestone, and I am very pleased. Yes, the plants are on the small side, but they all appeared very healthy and perky and are a great choice for a budget gardener like me with a bit of patience to wait until they mature. (But as a nice surprise, one of my shrubs had an extra couple of shoots coming up from the rootstock that I was able to separate--so now I have two extra rooted seedlings to plant!)

Another nice touch was the email that they sent me to let me know my order was on its way.

I will definitely be ordering from this company again in the future.

Receipt of their catalog this week brought back memories of my order from Bluestone last year. Based on the high praise given this company in the Watchdog, I gave them a try, fully expecting the so-described smaller specimens.

The packaging? By far the poorest example I've seen from any of the many sources I order from. Imagine delicate little things in their cell-pacs placed as is on the bottom of a box. Throw on a handful of shredded paper, then peanuts. Give to UPS. Picture the results.
The plants? Mushy, muddy, miniscule! Small, bruised topgrowth; even smaller root mass. (No, I didn't bother to contact Bluestone for replacements; the only thing worse than this shipment would be more of the same.)

Bottom line: aside from the packaging deficiencies, these are tidbits, mere tots, that really need months more on the growing bench before they should be considered viable in the garden and appropriate for retail sale. A wayward piece of mulch...buried; one bite from a slug...gone. And so they are.

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How sad this situation is for both of us. We would have loved to reship better plants to pinnae. It is obvious that something went amiss and we would still ship replacements or offer a refund even after a year if she/he would be in touch. Bluestone stands behind our product, and we will be the first to acknowledge that mistakes can happen. We will go the extra mile to make our customers happy, and we would like to be given the chance. We hope pinnae will be in touch."

I received a flat of a variety of perennials at just the right time for spring planting. All of the plants were in excellent condition. I know the pots are small but the prices are great. I also received a surpise of 3 additonal plants. Love this company.

Extremely happy! All the items I ordered arrived well packed and green. There was not a hint of wilt.The plants are not overly large but they are very sturdy looking and respectable plants. There was a grouping of plants that had been on back-order since last fall that still were not available so Bluestone included a credit voucher and TONS of coupons in recompense. Bluestone has such a wonderful selection I know that I will not have any problem using up my credit or any of the coupons.

I am also happy to report that a grouping of plants that I purchased last fall wintered well and look like they will perform admirably this spring and summer. I was doubtful about the advice to not mulch or heavily mulch the plants. Turns out they were right!

I was very pleased with the size and health of the plants I ordered from Bluestone this year. I ordered a three-pack of pulmonaria, a three-pack of tradescantia, a three-pack of monarda, and lysimachia (which hasn't arrived yet). All were packed very well and were still moist. The pulmonarias were a bit rootbound, but roots were easy to separate and upon planting, they perked right up. The monardas have already doubled in size.

The only problem I suffered was that UPS both delayed the shipping and banged up the box. Luckily, the plants weren't damaged from this treatment. If it hadn't been for Bluestone's careful packing AND our unseasonably cool weather, I doubt the plants would have come through as well.

Also don't care for the peanuts, but I do like Bluestone's recycling option. Returning the packing materials saves on shipping for future orders, which helps with the high cost of mail ordering plants.

Just received my first order from Bluestone. Everything looks great! The plants were snugly packed upright and there was no soil loose in the box. Great bargain on the Venus Sweetshrub, too (which is quite the pricey item elsewhere.) Tons of information included with my plants along with a fresh copy of their color catalog. After unpacking my plants, I called to ask about the fertilizer they included for the shrubs and a very pleasant sounding woman had the information for me right away. Good deal! I'll be back.

There should be a "Very Positive" rating.

Kudos to Bluestone!

I pre-ordered, to get the savings, and my order arrived this afternoon. The plants were beautifully packed (although the styro-nuts are a pain) and they all arrived looking fat and sassy and completely unscathed after their trip from Ohio to Long Island.

3 Miscanthus 'Morning Light'
3 Calamagrostis 'Overdam'
3 Pennisetum 'Hameln'
3 Pennisetum 'Little Bunny'
3 Astilbe 'Red Sentinel'
1 Astilbe 'Serenade'
3 Thymus 'Elfin'
3 Shasta Daisy 'Becky'
1 Buddleia 'White Ball'
3 Heuchera 'Dale's Strain'
3 Heuchera 'Plum Pudding'
1 Azalea 'Northern Hi-Lights'

Bonuses:

1 Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
1 Coreopsis 'Sunburst'
1 Dianthus 'Agatha'

33 plants, delivered, for $93.11. $2.82 each.

I'm very pleased.

First time ordering from them, received their box today with 2 clematis and 2 lilacs. They all look great. They were in very good condition. The lilacs were small, but I expected that for the price I paid. I was very please with them. The clematis had flower buds!! I would recommend them and will definitely buy from them again.

Plus, they sent me 4 cubes of fertilizer, one to to plant with each plant (nice extra).

Also, I changed my order 1 or 2 times and their customer services was very nice and accomodating.