Witherspoon Rose Culture

Roses (Modern)

P.O. Box 52489
Durham, 27717 (United States)
1-800-643-0315
(919) 490-0623

Notes

Founded in 1951, Witherspoon Rose Culture is a wonderful source of top quality rose bushes, uniquely qualified rose maintenance, and wealth of rose "sense" for the novice or avid rose gardener.

posted on January 26, 2004

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 25 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Sep 5, 2020, saltydog44 (2 reviews) from Burlington, NC (Zone 7b)

We've had roses for many years (40+) with good success. We know more of what we should do than we actually did since life tends to get in the way. When we moved to new location (North-Central NC, we wanted to start a new rose garden. We had a perfect location but kind of dreaded starting over We found Witherspoon and since they were close by we stopped and were blown away. They knowledge and customer service is as good as it gets. Unlike the big box stores, you get people who live and breathe roses. We signed up for their full service program and bought 16 roses, including 6 miniatures. They were helpful with selection even though with our prior knowledge we pretty much knew what we wanted but the 1 or 2 suggestions they made have spot on. The service is exactly what we wanted and this is the best rose garden we've ever had. Their spray program has avoided blackspot and eliminated aphids. I'll quit here but to say we are happy would be a huge understatement.

Positive
On May 12, 2016, cheyotto (5 reviews) from Rockland, MA (Zone 6b)

This is my first year ordering roses online. I bought a China Doll Weeping Rose Tree from Witherspoon Rose Culture. They packaged this little beauty with TLC. She is sturdy, healthy, and has lot's of growth already. I live in Southeastern Massachusetts and am hoping for the best. She'll be hiding out in my garage throughout the winter. Will follow up as she ages.

Positive
On Jun 6, 2015, kevinsmom1 (1 reviews) from Raleigh, NC

I have been gardening and especially rose gardening for close to 30 years. I have a lot more enthusiasm then skill but I do have a great garden now. I started buying from Witherspoon about 23 years ago. Here's the deal: they are the best. If you can pick up your roses and not have them shipped it is cheaper for you and easier on the roses. I have purchased bare root and potted. I started buying from lots of sources but over time I have decided to buy roses only from Witherspoon. The quality is dependable; their prices are competitive (don't compare prices with the big box stores - if you don't know why you shouldn't buy roses from them I don't have enough room here to tell you); they have classes on planting, pruning, fertilizing, etc. every year. The staff is professional and will answer your questions and give advice. Do all of my roses live and prosper? No. Gardening is a game of chance and skill. The more skill I get, and the better the product is with which I begin, the better my odds are of getting beautiful roses.

Positive
On Jan 29, 2015, seagardener (42 reviews) from Southport, ME

We have continued to order bare root roses from this company with spectacular results. The roots received are HUGE. We pot them into containers in a greenhouse & transplant them into the garden in late spring. The 'Dick Clark' hybrid teas bloomed all summer, grew to nearly 6' tall & 3' wide & required no spraying at all with beautiful, healthy, dark green foliage.. The same results were received from 'Francis Meilland'. The 'Oh My' red roses were nearly as healthy, bloomed from mid-summer to fall & needed a little spraying from August on. It should be noted that we treat tea & grandiflora roses as annuals in our area; some overwinter & some don't because we don't bother to cover them. Perhaps if we covered them with mulch, we'd get higher winter survival rates.

Positive
On Aug 11, 2014, sixbyseuss (1 reviews) from Charlotte, NC

I have been getting roses from the Charlotte location for the past 2 years, and living so close to this place could bankrupt me! The service is amazing and so are the plants. I currently work 7 days a week so I call them up and pay for the potted roses over the phone, pick them up after closing and ALWAYS get beautiful bushes every time. This is a great company who really cares about product and customer service.

Negative
On Sep 24, 2013, Jandtj (1 reviews) from Greenville, NC

I planted approx 30 Witherspoon and a few David Austin. 3 weeks ago noticed signs of Rose Rosette Disease which spread to almost every rose within a week. I pruned them all back although I realize the next step will likely be removal and proper disposal. How depressing.

Positive
On Apr 17, 2013, BlackDogKurt (26 reviews) from Seymour, CT

I ordered two more roses this spring from Witherspoon Rose Culture. They arrived promptly and appear to be healthy specimens and are doing just fine so far. No concerns at all!

Negative
On Mar 15, 2013, Chargontym74 (1 reviews) from Roanoke, VA

I ordered 4 bare root Hybrid Tea roses that were delivered in April of 2012. I planted them exactly as I had planted the ones I ordered in 2011, in the same soil. The plants were healthy when I got them, and appeared to start growing after the initial planting shock. I got all sorts of new shoots, and proceeded to fertilize. 2 of the bushes took off and grew like wildfire. The other 2 bushes didn't do as well. Their shoots never grew into stems, but stayed short, 1-2 inches and the tiny leaves were sort of curly and fuzzy. I left the one bush alone, but cut off all of the new growth on the other bush to see if that would prompt it to grow better. It got new shoots, and they also turned into being only 1-2 inches long with the fuzzy, curly tiny leaves. I didn't notify Witherspoon because the bushes were green and healthy and I played the waiting game to see if they would turn into "regular" looking rose bushes. They did not. They actually stayed the same - not loosing anything or getting any new shoots than the first original ones, throughout the summer. Finally, in Sept, the canes started turning brown and the leaves turned brown and the whole bush looked to be dead. I then wrote to Witherspoon, even though it was past the time of their guarantee, and told them what happened and asked for advice as to why those 2 rose bushes grew so wierdly and if there was anything I could have done to help them. I never got an answer, unless it went to my Spam mail and was thrown out. So I'm pretty bummed with the Company. But, fool that I am, I have just ordered a couple of Hybrid Teas like the ones I ordered last year to see if I can get a good bush out of them this year. I won't order from them again after this. If the bushes do the same thing as last year, you can be sure I'll notify them immediately and ask for a refund.

Neutral
On Jun 4, 2012, EnglishJ (2 reviews) from Atkinson, NH (Zone 5a)

Posted on May 31, 2012, updated June 4, 2012 Unfortunately this company no longer ships roses. You can still pick up locally.


On June 4th, 2012, EnglishJ added the following: Rec'd an email from the company with this clarification: 'Just wanted to let you know we do still offer shipping, however we are done shipping rose bushes for the season. Our roses are only shipped bare root in order to keep the cost down for the customer. We still have over 8,000 plants available that are potted up in 4 gallon pots, but are only available at our Charlotte and Durham locations (both NC).

Positive
On May 21, 2012, texasroseguy (2 reviews) from Port Neches, TX

I recently ordered a Tahitian Sunset Rose Bush from Witherspoon. It was quickly sent to me in barefoot form. This bush is probably the healthiest bush in my garden. It has better growth than some of the more established bushes in my garden. I couldn't be happier!! I will definitely order from them next spring when I expand my garden again!!

Positive
On Apr 26, 2012, Kennethd (7 reviews) from Killeen, TX

I ordered 2 climbing roses, Ordered on the 16th and they arrived on the 23rd, alive and well packaged. I am very pleased with them. I have planted them and will keep you updated on the progress. Ordering any live plant online is a crap shoot at best. Thank you for the roses.

Positive
On Jun 6, 2010, rockette (2 reviews) from NE, SD (Zone 4b)

I ordered 2 tree roses. They arrived late April (as requested) and packaged well. The Rio Samba is doing very well. I also ordered Dreams Come True, smaller. I spoke with Witherspoon staff and they have been wonderful to work with. I will update late summer/fall.

Neutral
On May 1, 2010, 10ecvols (1 reviews) from Charlotte, NC

I purchased several roses online from Witherspoon early spring. After visiting their Charlotte location, I decided to have them plant the bushes. The team who came was very pleasant and helpful in explaining rose care and what they were doing. I purchased my care products from the Company so I was doing everything possible to ensure a successful rose garden. I noted at the time that my roses looked "smallish" but was told they should green up "fast" and not to worry. I have followed all directions and even contacted a family member who used to exhibit roses. When he visited our home, he expressed surprise at the quality of the stock and stated he would have thought that Witherspoon could have "...done a bit better in getting me a higher quality stock..." This prompted me to ask around with local rosarians and others to get additional feedback. A happy Witherspoon customer came to look at my roses, and he too stated that the quality did not appear as good as what he had received the year prior. I am disappointed by the quality of roses but am pleased with the help of the Witherspoon staff. As a result, I probably will not order more roses from Witherspoon.

Positive
On Apr 29, 2010, downeastgarden (1 reviews) from Pink Hill, NC (Zone 8a)

Over the past year, I have purchased about 40 roses from Witherspoon. I have purchased both potted and bare root roses. I have had the roses delivered and I have been to their operation to pick up roses. The roses were strong and healthy; the customer service was excellent. I had trouble with 2 of the 40 roses. The company refunded my money for those 2 roses. The other 38 roses are excellent. I strongly recommend this company.

Positive
On Jan 14, 2009, Rain (6 reviews) from Louisville, KY

I like these folks better than anywhere else I've ever bought roses. The plants are unusually husky and healthy; packaging is extra-good, shipping is fast, and results have been topnotch. And when they once made an error and sent a rose to me instead of to my gift recipient, they immediately (within 24 hours) sent out one to the gift recipient and told me to keep the other one with no charge. They were very nice about it, too.

Positive
On May 1, 2007, figaro52 (29 reviews) from Lakes of the Four Seasons, IN (Zone 5a)

I ordered a "Peace" HT from Witherspoon. This was my first order from Witherspoon -- and it won't be the last! Very prompt shipping. This was the best looking bareroot rose I've ever seen! (And I've seen many!) 5 healthy canes and a substantial root system. Too bad they stop shipping at the end of April. If I lived closer I'd go there for potted roses. I'll be sure to order from them again next year! Great company!!

Positive
On Feb 28, 2007, Misti2 (1 reviews) from Callahan, FL

I've ordered from Witherspoon Roses 3 times the past 9 years. Each order has been shipped in great condition and the roses are phenomenal! They produce an excellent product and their customer service is very helpful.

Positive
On May 16, 2005, Gerry_WyomingPA (1 reviews) from Wyoming, PA

First time ordering here, actually the first time I have ordered bareroot roses. Great specimens, selection and service. Will not hesitate to order from them again.

Positive
On May 2, 2005, Ena (1 reviews) from Denver, CO

I ordered from this company for the first time this year and I must say that of all of the bareroot roses I've ordered these were the best looking of the bunch. They already have twice as much new growth as any other rose I have.

Positive
On Apr 20, 2005, ChristineBBD (1 reviews) from Harrison county, MO

I've shopped at Witherspoon for 10 years. I'm fortunate to live in the same city. They are always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. You will not be disappointed by this company.

Positive
On Mar 30, 2005, paulgrow (28 reviews) from Allen Park, MI (Zone 6a)

This is the first time I've ordered from this company. The roses arrived on time just as I requested. These are some of the healthest bare root roses I've ever seen. The packaging was excellent. I highly recommend this company.

Positive
On Nov 19, 2004, mollis (22 reviews) from Cleveland, OH

About to order again from Witherspoon and thought I would say the ones (4 hybrid teas) I got from them some 7 yrs ago are still exceptionally healthy bloomers.

Positive
On Feb 13, 2004, puddlegum (1 reviews) from Youngsville, NC (Zone 7b)

Last year I ordered about 20 roses, some HT, Austins, and florabunda, from Witherspoon. All but one did wonderfully and bloomed up until November. The one that died was replaced with no questions. I ordered 14 more this year which I received UPS a few days ago. They are very large sturdy bushes with healthy roots. The only black spot I had was on a climber. Witherspoon has been very helpful in answering my questions about planting times,methods, etc. They also offer a program to design and maintain your roses, including spraying every 10 days. The courteous treatment I received is exceptional.

Positive
On Feb 3, 2003, cowgardener (30 reviews) from Southport, ME

We are very pleased with the quality of their roses, both Hybrid Teas and tree roses. The bare root plants were big, arrived in very good condition and had excellent garden performance.


On December 10th, 2004, cowgardener added the following: We ordered 19 new roses from this company for 2004. Having ordered hundreds of roses over the years from various companies, Witherspoon's continue to be what I would consider the finest in the trade. They were nothing short of excellent.

Positive
On Feb 17, 2002, jforbes (1 reviews) from Cary, NC (Zone 7B)

UPS delivered a rose I ordered to the incorrect address, even though the address was clear on the mailing label. My rose sat in a warehouse for days, and UPS refused to give me a delivery time so I could be at home to for the delivery. I called Witherspoon, and the owner hand-delivered the best looking bareroot rose I'd ever ordered--and he did it on a day when we had a terrible ice storm! They are very customer-service oriented.

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