Adelman Peony Gardens

Peonies

5690 Brooklake Road NE
Salem, 97305 (United States)
(503) 393-6185
(503) 393-3457

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 50 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Sep 30, 2023, nkda1819 (3 reviews) from Indianapolis, IN (Zone 6a)

First time customer but this won’t be the last. Opening the box I was blown away at the size, quality, number of eyes (frequently more than advertised), and overall packaging quality. Truly a first rate experience. If I had went to my grandmother’s house and divided her prize plants I wouldn’t have brought home nicer starts. I can’t wait to order again next year.

Positive
On May 14, 2022, queeniehyacinth (4 reviews) from Harrisburg, PA

Ordered two peonies last fall and both look good & healthy as they've started to flower this week! Happy to get Red Satin, which I could only find at one other garden for twice the price.

Positive
On Apr 20, 2020, LRobinson (3 reviews) from Littleton, CO

I highly recommend Adelman and will definitely purchase from them again if I can find another spot in the yard for more peonies. Such kind and helpful folks. July 2019 - I emailed Adelman’s to ask if I was too late to plant peonies for the year. Carol graciously replied that peonies are shipped as roots and planted in the fall. I dutifully ordered 10 peony plants and waited. While I was waiting, I began researching to find out more about this lovely flowering perennial that I remembered from my Grandmother’s garden in Northern Saskatchewan. Looking back I’m embarrassed by my lack of knowledge and my naive email to Adelman. On the other hand I was SO LUCKY that I stumbled on Adelman in my original Google search. The peony roots arrived in mid-September 2019. Beautiful large roots with several eyes on each. I didn’t know to count the eyes - next time. I followed the planting instructions to the letter. Now, Spring 2020, all 10 peonies have sprouted. Two of them (Christmas Velvet and Etched Salmon) are about 8” tall, and each of the 3-5 stalks have a bud. I’m delighted! Last week we had two snowstorms and record cold temperatures down to 10F. I contacted Adelman and asked about covering the peonies. Kady responded quickly and recommended covering for temps that low. I did, and all survived with no damage. Thank you Adelman!

Positive
On Oct 13, 2019, GeneSkCan (8 reviews) from Regina,
Canada

I have been buying peonies regularly from Adelman over the past 5 years. Without question, the quality and variety of peony roots that they provide is extremely good and I highly recommend buying from this supplier.

Positive
On Oct 23, 2017, anthemis28 (1 reviews) from Duluth, GA

Money well spent. My order was processed and shipped quickly. The tubers are high quality, with more than seven eyes. I should have purchased more.

Positive
On Oct 22, 2017, Ves (13 reviews) from Buffalo, NY (Zone 5b)

I ordered from Adelman twice by now and each time they exceeded expectations. Their peony roots are large, healthy, and with many more 'eyes' than usual in mail orders. No wonder they flower nicely. Their service and communication are great as well, and I would not hesitate to order from them again.

Positive
On Oct 17, 2015, Qdangson (16 reviews) from Quincy, MA

Just received 2 bareroot Hillary Itoh peonies today. Great packing in peatmoss and good size. Each root had more than 6 eyes and the roots were cleaned up without cutting them back too much. It looks like they have started sprouting so hopefully they will stall growth until spring.

Positive
On Jun 8, 2014, pataskala (2 reviews) from Beechwood Trails, OH

Ordered five different varieties, planted in fall 2013. All are doing well, and all have bloomed their first season even after the miserable winter they had to endure as youngsters. Have ordered again, I was very pleased with this company's quality

Positive
On May 14, 2014, AS (46 reviews) from (Zone 7a)

Posted on October 23, 2012, updated May 14, 2014 Nice sized, healthy looking roots. The prices were reasonable (I ordered older varieties) and service was prompt and professional.


On May 14th, 2014, AS added the following: After seeing DonnaMack's post, I wanted to mention that my peonies were also a little tough to get started, too, compared to those I've gotten from other companies. I thought it was just bad luck, or maybe the weather gods being uncooperative. Only a single stem came up from each peony plant the first year, though there was a flower on each. In their second year, they have 1-3 stems, though the single stemmed plants at least have a tall, robust one with lots of leaves. On the other hand, I thought one plant had little chance for survival - something bit a big chunk out of the stem last year, leaving it bent in half. I taped it and tied it to a sturdy stake, and it somehow survived for the season while looking completely pathetic. I was surprised to see it return this year, healthy and with a bloom. So I assume the root was fairly robust. Still, they were all true to name and had lovely flowers, and seem to be on their way to becoming nice bushes now.

Positive
On Nov 19, 2013, DonnaMack (69 reviews) from Elgin, IL (Zone 5a)

Posted on October 31, 2013, updated November 19, 2013 Posted on September 19, 2003, updated October 31, 2013 I just received my first order from this company. I purchased 2 herbacious peonies, and they are fabulous - the best I've ever seen. Tourangelle (double pink) has 4 very large eyes and 1 small one. Paul M. Wild has 5 enormous eyes. They are incredibly fresh. I faxed my order, waited a few days, and then e-mailed the company to make certain my order was received. Jim and Carol Adelman almost immediately e-mailed a gracious response. Thank you, bettyann279, for your comments on great customer service. This company has a great reputation in the trade, and first rate customer service is the icing on a terrific cake of wonderful selections and first rate quality.


On October 31st, 2013, DonnaMack changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: I feel obliged to change my rating. I have purchased peonies from a variety of suppliers, and met with success. The only company whose peonies have all failed for me is Adelman. Tourangelle never appeared. Moonstone took three years to appear and then died. Paul M. Wild never appeared. Because I bought all of these failed peonies in 2002, and because of the many raves, I was reluctant to comment, and it does not seem fair that I waited so long . But I think now that I understand the problem. The Adelman peonies that I received tended to be very vertical, with big thick roots at the bottom. To get the eyes to be 1-2 inches below the soil the roots had to be buried very deep. They rot. I have been given gifts of Adelman peonies with this same formation, possibly six in all. Some in soil with a fair amount of clay, some in loam. They all failed. I have had success with peonies from companies with middling ratings, and have received peonies from at least six different companies.
On November 19th, 2013, DonnaMack changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following: I am very pleased to let everyone know that Kady Adelman has contacted me privately and that the peonies will be replaced next year, and the timing is at my request. This has been handled so graciously that I would like to change my rating back to positive in anticipation of receiving them. Any company that would replace peonies after these many years deserves praise.

Positive
On Oct 1, 2013, LVerrico (8 reviews) from Collins, NY

I have been getting their catalogs for a couple of years and have finaly put an order in last week. They sure do sell out fast as i waited so late but the service and comunication was great. They shipped my order on Thursday and i had them by Saturday.Thats fast service. The packaging was great very well protected and really nice size root. Can not wait till spring. Great company. Thank you Kady.

Positive
On Oct 5, 2012, Dodsky (8 reviews) from Smiths Grove, KY (Zone 6b)

I placed an order for eight peonies back in June 2012 and received all of the bare root divisions right on time in late September. They were all clearly labeled, packed in slightly moist peat moss and were in a plastic bag in a well secured box. I received an email notification when the box had been shipped so I knew to keep an eye out for its delivery. The status of my order and communication via email has been great. The bare root divisions were just as others have described: large, numerous eyes, fresh and very healthy. I am very pleased with the quality plants and the hassle-free purchasing experience. I shopped around and the prices at Adelman Peony Gardens are quite reasonable, especially considering the size and quality of the plants I received. I've purchased peonies from several other sources over the years and the plants from Adelman Peony Gardens are definitely of the highest quality and value. I also appreciate the wide and varied selection of cultivars offered. They carry several cultivars I couldn't find anywhere else. All of the plants I purchased were herbaceous peonies: Blaze, Cytherea, Goldilocks, Merry Mayshine, Nippon Beauty, Red Red Rose, Sunny Girl, and Roy Pehrson's Best Yellow. Judging by the size of the roots, most (probably all!) will bloom next spring. :-) I will definitely purchase from Adelman Peony Gardens again as I expand my flower beds and make room for more peonies. ;-)

Positive
On Apr 17, 2012, learnergirl (1 reviews) from Longview, WA

I made my first trip to Adelman's on Mother's Day two years ago. Beautiful! As a mother/grandmother I received a beautiful bouquet of peonies as well. At that visit I bought a potted Mr.Ed peony for my husband (of course, his name is Ed). The next spring, the peony came up and quickly died. All of my other peonies were fine, so I wrote to Adelman's and they quickly confirmed that they would send another Mr.Ed in the fall. On time a healthy root arrived, it is planted and I look forward to many years of remembering my first trip to Adelman's when Ed's peony pops through the ground. I can't wait to return!

Positive
On Oct 9, 2011, ksikorski (1 reviews) from Mountain Park, GA

Adelman has an incredible selection of beautiful peonies. I have ordered herbaceous, ITOH and tree peonies from Adelman and have been extremely satisfied with the size and quality of the roots and resulting plants.

Positive
On Oct 2, 2011, bryana (72 reviews) from Albany, NY

Posted on November 11, 2010, updated October 2, 2011 I have ordered from this company several times. They have a very good assortment of peonies with accurate descriptions. You receive very large roots. This is the only source of peony roots that I have ordered from where the peonies produced flowers and bloomed the year after planting (all of them) - amazing. Only once did I get a root that was not what I ordered and they cheerfully replaced it. good service.


On October 2nd, 2011, bryana added the following: ordered 4 peony roots - all large and well packaged.

Positive
On Sep 30, 2011, WhatzaWeed (1 reviews) from Strasburg, PA

This was my first order of peonies from Adelman's. The plants sent were the absolute best that I have ever received!! I look forward to ordering from them next season. Huge rootstock!! Can't wait until next spring!!

Positive
On Sep 26, 2011, focusme2 (2 reviews) from Greenbrier, TN

If you want great quality peonies, let me asure you-- this is the company you want to do business with because they ship prize-qualtiy root stock. I just received my first order and was impressed at the quality of the root and with the packaging--- this company takes great pride in shipping exceptional peony roots. I placed a second order today (for a gift to my sister) after receiving my first shipment last week. I will pass the word on to other peoney lovers about this great company.

Positive
On Sep 23, 2011, iykim (23 reviews) from Hillsborough, CA (Zone 10a)

Wow! The Itoh peony I ordered had a huge root system, and 12 eyes! The price was very reasonable, and the packaging was great, and the shipment was fast. I would definitely order peonies from them again. Thank you, Adelman Peony Gardens!

Positive
On Sep 16, 2011, NancyMcD (4 reviews) from Grand Marais, MI

Adelman had the peonies I wanted, and the chunks they sent are big and healthy - five eyes on one and six on the other. They were beautifully packaged, too. The prices are not low, but bargain basement peonies often take longer to get established. The peony chunks that came in the mail today were well worth the dough.

Positive
On Nov 15, 2010, ycn4chin (39 reviews) from Dickson, TN

Absolutely the best peony divisions I have ever received. I am confident that these roots will grow and flourish in my lovely creek bottom soil. Superfast shipment and excellent packing insured that everything arrived across the miles without a problem. All the rave reviews here were substantiated by my order. Highly recommend this company to anyone who enjoys quality plant material.

Positive
On Oct 17, 2010, StaticCling (15 reviews) from Meadville, PA

I received nice, healthy peonies from Adelman's. I would definitely buy there again.

Positive
On Oct 4, 2010, karlarhae (3 reviews) from Germantown, OH

I ordered two intersectional peonies and was very happy with what I received. Very large roots and quite healthy looking. Quick shipping too.

Positive
On Sep 22, 2010, WeeklyWeeder (16 reviews) from Polson, MT (Zone 5b)

Placed an order for 10 peonies in July which were shipped right on time (Sept. 15) for planting in my zone 5b garden. Was I impressed! All of the peonies had huge rhizomes and multiple healthy eyes, averaging 5 or more each. But, what really blew me away was Henry Bockstoce with 9 eyes. This puppy should really take off next spring. Thanks, Carol, for the high-quality order. Will try to make more room next year for additional purchases. Colleen in Polson, MT

Positive
On May 25, 2010, klem_a_tis (5 reviews) from near des moines, IA (Zone 5a)

I ordered a dozen roots 2 years ago. the plants have outgrown my peony plot...large roots and even larger plants!

Positive
On May 17, 2010, k_la (1 reviews) from Atlanta, GA

I ordered 3 plants (roots) from Adelman's in the fall- they all flowered beautifully this spring-with huge blooms on all three.

Positive
On Oct 9, 2009, minotpeonies (2 reviews) from Minot, ME

Ordered 18 peonies for this fall from Adelman's and every peony had huge roots with 5-6 eye divisions.Bartzella had 8-9 eyes on it.I would say that there is no one out there that will beat the size of Carol's divisons.I also ordered from other well know peony companies which delivered very nice divisons but not even in the same league as Adelmans.Carol can't wait to see next springs catalog!! Thank You

Positive
On Sep 7, 2009, juanwillis (28 reviews) from Winchester, MA (Zone 6a)

I've ordered 15 peonies from Adelman over the past few years; all of them were large, healthy roots and nearly all of them bloomed the following spring. Adelman is my first choice for buying peonies mail-order.

Positive
On Apr 25, 2009, bjaquez (3 reviews) from Loyalton, CA

After reading the positive reviews for Adelman Peony Gardens, I ordered two plants. I planted them last fall. This spring, I have four buds on on one plant and a bud on the other. Often it can take 3 years for peonies to bud and bloom. Great stock, great selection, great service. AAAA+++++

Positive
On Mar 6, 2009, rp5225 (1 reviews) from Loveland, OH

It is now early March, 2009 and I have some peonies from Adelman's peeking up under the mulch that I planted in October, 2008. Four varieties, my first from Adelman's and my last from anyone else. The roots I received were gorgeous - just magnificent - and they would blow anyone else's away. Carol Adelman is super to work with (I wanted a couple of last-minute additions). Can't recommend them any more highly! Thanks, and get ready for this year's order! Rick Porter

Positive
On Nov 1, 2008, LiliesNRoses (2 reviews) from Moore, ID (Zone 3b)

I had placed my order in April with the expectation of a fall shipment. When I had not received anything from the company in October, I contacted them. After they did a thorough search of their records, this is when I learned my order had been lost in cyberspace. Instead of telling me that their shipping season was over and that I would have to wait until next year, they made a special effort to fill my order. The peonies I received had very large tubers and well-developed eyes - not some cast offs to appease a disgruntled customer. In addition, I received very detailed intructions and illustrations on how to properly plant the peonies. What could have been a very negative experience turned into a positive one for me thanks to the professionalism of Adelman Peony Gardens.

Positive
On Oct 18, 2008, kenzgarden (3 reviews) from Doylestown, PA

I ordered from Adelman's for the 1st time this year. I was very impressed with their selection. I was very pleased with the size and the apparent health of these plants. I can't wait to see them in the spring. I know that they will be spectacular! I am planning on ordering from them again in 2009. if you are lucky enough to live on the west coast and love peonies, you need to visit them during the blooming season. I am sure it is a beautiful site, that won't soon be forgotten. Thank you Jim and Carol.

Positive
On Oct 14, 2008, keelybird57 (11 reviews) from Aurora, IL

I ordered 3 peonies this fall and was very impressed with Adelman's. The roots were well packed, large and appeared very healthy. Planting instructions were clear and I look forward to many years of beautiful blooms.

Positive
On Oct 11, 2008, daylilly99 (4 reviews) from northern, VA (Zone 6b)

I just received my peony 'Sunny Girl' from Adelman Peony company. It's a wonderful, large healthy plant and I'm totally happy with it. That, however, is just the beginning of my delight with this company. Just before ordering from them I won peony 'Cora Louise' from an Ebay grower. When it arrived as was appalled by this 1.5" x 1" piece of crown with several eyes and a couple of stems. Not having grown an intersectional peony before I thought I should solicit advice before complaining. Not only was Carol Adelman confirming of my thought that this was not a good plant, but she was very supportive through the course of several e-mails and even said I could reference her by name. Very helpful and reassuring. Imagine my delight and awe when I opened the box from Adelman Peony Garden today and found not only the 'Sunny Girl' but a HUGE piece of 'Cora Louise' which Carol had included as a gift. I will never buy peonies from anyone else again. The reason I found Adelman's in the first place is I saw a video on dividing peonies which they had on YouTube. The size of the roots they show there will give you an idea of their generosity and I recommend watching it. I hope this address will work for you. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotrkapSwo4 Thank you, Carol, and Adelman Peony Garden a thousand times over.

Positive
On Oct 11, 2008, SteveIndy (21 reviews) from Greenwood, IN (Zone 5b)

I ordered from Adelman for the first time this fall, and in fact placed three orders, though I have used other peony vendors, with some of them being quite good. Well, I agree with the other posters - the roots were astoundingly large and fresh. In fact, I ordered a Bartzella and it was easily and foot and half long and very thick, much bigger than I ever expected, as was the Cream Puff they sent. The other roots were massive as well and had lots of fat eyes. I am so impressed with the size and quality and am eagerly awaiting to see what sprouts next spring. I just finished planting tonight. This company's product is among the very best out there, and I'll be sure to be a return customer next year.


On May 6th, 2009, SteveFtWorth added the following: Just an update to last fall's order - I got first year blooms on about two-thirds of the plants I received. Multiple blooms on Red Charm, Bartzella, Cream Puff and others. I am still impressed by the size of the rooststock this company sells. I have already placed a couple of fall orders for more!

Positive
On Sep 23, 2008, barb3204 (2 reviews) from Great Falls, MT

I was totally blown away by the size and condition of the root stock! I have never seen such nice and big roots, and in such good condition. I'm also, looking forward to spring!!

Positive
On Sep 22, 2008, p1mkw (11 reviews) from Danville, IN (Zone 5b)

I ordered 5 peonies from Adelman's and chose them in a large part due to the reviews out here. I certainly wasn't disappointed. My order arrived today and the size of the roots are just unbelievable. I dug up some in the spring that I had bought at a home improvement store last year that just weren't doing anything. The largest root in that group was about the size of a pencil. What I received today from Adelman's are HUGE! They look like hot dogs . I can't wait until next spring.


On September 22nd, 2008, p1mkw added the following: I forgot to add .. I took pictures if you want to see.

Positive
On Jun 28, 2008, gardenstogo (2 reviews) from westerville, OH (Zone 5b)

Have ordered a few times from Adelman's. Roots are nice size. Peonies bloom first year! I had opportunity to visit them, and as expected, they were great! I recommend them without hesitation.

Positive
On Jan 25, 2008, cks12 (1 reviews) from Chester, CT

The peonies I received from Adelman's are absolutely magnificient. Their customer service is outstanding! I had chosen a plant that they were out of, and was given a substitute specifically chosen to match the one I wanted. When I have received the plants, they are huge! and they grow into wonderful, beautiful plants! I cannot say enough about this company. I have purchased peonies from two other mail order companies, one of them, a "high end" company, and will NEVER do so again! Adelman's is the best by far for peonies.

Positive
On Oct 21, 2007, LSRitts (1 reviews) from Alexandria, VA

Within several days I received large and healthy peony roots of a species I had been looking for for perhaps 10 years. I can't wait until spring!

Positive
On Oct 13, 2007, peony61 (10 reviews) from Kolkwitz,
Germany

fine plants, kind people

Positive
On Sep 24, 2007, sorensee (13 reviews) from Riverton, UT

I ordered a peony from Adelman's this fall. When I received it I was shocked at how big the root was. I knew from previous reviews that it would be large but it was beyond my expectations. I can't wait til spring to watch it grow.

Positive
On Oct 16, 2006, PlantsnobIN (31 reviews) from Paoli, IN

I called last Friday, Oct 13, to see if I was too late to place an order. I spoke with Carol and she said it was OK. She also anwered my questions about hazelnuts. Today, Monday, Oct 16, my plants are already here. I don't see how that is even possible. From Oregon to southern Indiana in a weekend. I couldn't be happier with the service or the plants. Outstanding.

Positive
On Oct 9, 2006, Reversemidas (10 reviews) from Vienna, VA (Zone 7a)

Wow. I just received my order of peonies. That was fast, less than a week and all the way to the East Coast. That's what I call a root. The peony roots are large (really) with plenty of eyes and healthy sturdy feel to them. These are definitely not no.2 pencil size roots that other company sell. There is no doubt in my mind that this is gowing to grow and flower. They were packed very well in a clear plastic bag filled with I think is milled peat moss, and with lots of newspaper cushioning in the box. Roots were also labeled very clearly. I am really impressed at the size of the roots and quick delivery. To me that shows a company that has alot of passion for peonies. I will definitely order from them again. Just Wow!!!


On October 12th, 2006, Reversemidas added the following: I was concern about how long they can keep before planting them in the garden because moving. So I email them, and they got a response back to me really quick. The email was from Carol Adelman. Now that's more customer service for you. Wow!

Positive
On Oct 1, 2006, carolrees (28 reviews) from Arlington, VA (Zone 7a)

I ordered 5 peonies roots for this fall and have received them. They were well packed and labeled. The roots were large and each had lots of eyes. They looked in very good condition. They also included planting directions.

Positive
On Sep 16, 2006, pattyew (1 reviews) from Duluth, MN

I ordered Bartzella from Adelman's in the fall of 2005, not expecting it would come up in the spring of 2006, but lo and behold, it did, and it was beautiful...I thought that was pretty good that the very next year, I already had a bloom...and pricewise, I think they were a little cheaper than some other places had Bartzella for. I will (and already have) ordered from them again for fall 2006 planting...also, they seem like very nice people to deal with, very helpful and knowledgeable

Positive
On Jun 8, 2005, dzehr (1 reviews) from Woodstock, IL

Last fall, I ordered 8 different peony varieties (one plant of each) from this company. I really liked that their catalog descriptions incuded fragrance qualities and how old the variety is. The roots arrived promptly and in great condition...all were labeled, large and had several eyes. This spring, all of the plants came up, and almost all of them have multiple, large flowers on them....much more that I expected for 1st-year peony plantings! I can't wait to see how they do in year 2! They were a bit more expensive than other companies, but considering the quality of the plants, they were a bargain.

Positive
On Oct 24, 2004, beck02 (22 reviews) from Newalla, OK

Ordered a few peony plants, and all came in in nice condition. The roots were healthy, big, with nice eyes. I just got them in this year, so I do not know if they will flower true to description, but all were nicely labeled & well packed. Overall I'm very pleased with this company!

Positive
On Sep 20, 2004, gallerygarden (2 reviews) from New Franken, WI

I just received an "Athena" peony root from Adelman Peony Gardens. It was packaged well, and there appears to be 6 eye-divisions, with roots that are nice and thick. Customer service was good...everything has been done just as they said it would. I'm pleased!

Positive
On Oct 1, 2003, tabbscreek (7 reviews) from Irvington, VA

I just received my first order from Adelman Peony Gardens. The four peonies were in excellent condition. The smallest one had 6 eyes. They were packaged very well and sent by priority (2 day) mail. They were a pleasure to deal with over the phone. I will definitely order from them again.

Positive
On Mar 1, 2002, BettyAnn279 (1 reviews)

I went to visit them last spring and they had some of the best peonies I have seen. It is a small family owned mail order nursery and they were very nice and friendly. Just recently I ordered a root from them hoping that they could deliver it this winter. Much to my dismay I found out it wasn't their regular shipping season. They normally only ship roots during the fall. But when the owner found out it was for my mom's birthday she went out of her way, got a root ready and shipped it the next day. My Mom got a really nice root for her birthday and I was one really happy customer! They send out a price list and have a pretty good selection of varieties.

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