P.O. Box 308
Landrum, South Carolina 29356 (United States)
1-877-ASHDOWN

Editor's Comment:

Closed Per a note from the owner, Ashdown Roses, Ltd. is closed.

Notes

We offer a world of Garden Roses that are easy to care for and grow. From Antique through Modern we carry rare roses including many from Europe not found in the United States.

We also offer a range of rose care how to videos for free on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/ashdownroses.

Our Rose Library contains information on thousands of roses and allow you to place yourself on a wish list for a rose we might not have in stock. http://www.ashdownlibrary.com.

Please feel free to call or email us for help on rose selections.

posted on March 18, 2009

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 50 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Mar 17, 2018, plips (3 reviews) from Dumbarton, VA

I realize they are out of business since 2010. That said, I got lovely own root roses from them years and years ago that you couldn’t get elsewhere. Many folks don’t realize that own root roses in a pot will never look like a grafted plant which is just anyrose grafted on to a big ole thug of a root stock that grows like crazy - it use to be all you could get commercially. Why because years ago they didn’t think folks had enough sense to recognize own root’s value - that it would live for years through disaster, cold, being run over, stomped on and would come back from its roots the exact same rose that you purchased years before. And they were right - even today people want to pick the grafted over own root because they are bigger, bushier etc - they don’t realize given time in the ground that own root will grow up to be just as big and lovely and will live for years. A grafted rose is more delicate in that anything that happens to that graft and you no longer have that beautiful apricot fragrant beauty - you now have a little red bloom of a rose nothing special. Own roots once in the ground and given 2 yrs or even 3 will come into all their glory and will be with you 100 yrs from now provided you water it and it has good dirt or you feed it. You can move it do whatever you want - still the same rose with no worry of damaging the graft. From the age of 16-17 I started buying roses all grafted from J&P - own roots were impossible to find commercially 50 years ago. By 2000 I had close to 75 roses. I got a lot of health issues, then took care of 2 elderly family members including one being bedridden the last 3 yrs of their life. Needless to say - the gardens were neglected. Now 2018 - the only roses left are the own roots happily blooming along. The grafted ones were gone after about 5 years of neglect (oh the root stock thenoriginal rose was grafted on was there but not very pretty). Unfortunately, most of the own roots I bought were given to others long gone and not for myself as I had run out of room and couldn’t bear nor afford just throwing away all the grafts so I kept babying them until health etc intervened. But the few own roots are still hanging in there - they will be much happier when they are moved from under now mature and overgrown trees or other shrubs and receive some food. I wish all of my original group had been own root but that’s life. Infound a lot of the new plants that I paid a lot of money for didn’t survive- but the old standbys did well and when separated will give much joy for years to come. Paul Zimmerman really pushed own roots and he didn’t believe in the chemicals necessary to keep roses prinstine. If you went to many of the rose facilities or any grow house for annuals, perennials, etc you would die from the chemicals - they have to use suits, masks, etc to survive the fumigation themselves. Me I want plants that can stand up to what mother nature and us people throw at them and are still with me 20 years later. Black spot - the roses you get from many growers have been stripped of all leaves, you can only get them that way as bare root in the winter - it could have been covered with black spot in the growing season - you wouldn’t know. The deal is this...find a natural spray that works for you in your area use as often or better as little as needed, practice daily maintenance in the hot humid periods to remove any leaf that begins to show signs, don’t plant in an iffy location meaning not enough air flow or sun. Aphids and black spot will be here like roaches long after we are gone. Just learn to deal with it through good plant care and you will enjoy your flowers without killing the bees, and other pollinators and the birds and hummingbirds. Everytime you spray chemicals you weaken and kill off the very hummingbird you are trying to draw in, or the precious bees that make the honey you love. Bees forage from miles out from their hives. You will also spare your children and pets from poisons. It is like antibiotics - the more we use them, the more resistant the germs become until like now we have superbugs like MRSA and antibiotic resistant strains of diseases. Drown your plants in chemicals and you are doing the same. If you must use chemicals, switch it up in types and sparingly. Don’t buy a gallon of one type and use it every week or month. Those of us who have gardened for 50-80 yrs can tell you how this has worked out - we have watched and lived it and seen what some of these wonder chemicals have done to our world. It is sad but we learn by our mistakes or at least intelligent open folks do. And when you down some some old established companies - make sure you understand that the person who started it may be or was so if passed on but like the rest of us - life catches up and age reduces what we can do but we still need a job and to earn a living. Old nurserymen are the same - they try to hold on to their companies as long as they can until they finally realize they can no longer run the business like they could before they reached 60 or 80byrs old or life and other matters (health, divorce, issues with children or parents sick, etc) get in the way and they try to do their best hoping conditions will improve and they will regain the time, health, finances to return to how they want it to be. Many turn it over to children who end up running the business into the ground but the guy’s whose name is on the post he gets the blame and in truth he could have passed away yrs before. Or worse are the companies who buy these old time well established family businesses and trade on that reputation. People are blaming the original founder when they haven’t owned it for 10-20+or more yrs. I’m sure it breaks their hearts or their family’s when they see how it has been run down. I would not sell a company with my name on it period and would only consider doing so if there was a legal clause that even years later I could pull the rights to the use of my name. If they want your name that bad as to say they won’t buy without it then they will buy with a legal clause. Many of these companies some listed on this website advertise in their catalogues and websites - family owned for 50+yrs, growing on the same land etc - but it isn’t the same folks who built the reputation and managed those lands and who now ruin good people’s names with insolent nasty tempered employees and managers who don’t care. They will strip every penny they can get off that name and then buy another one. Some of these investors have 4-5 or more old family companies in their stable - just making money and not really worrying about their customers. I havwe heard many old well established nursery owners say - based on what they have seen, they would never sell their name - just close down and sell the stock or equipment but not their name. I agree. If you ever buy from a company that was really great at one time and now everything has changed - check their address and go to the state corporation commission for that state. Do a search on business entities and look at their annual reports- go back to as far as you can to see who the president etc was in the beginning and then come to the newest reports - most likely you will find a new (non family) name - and you will discover if you go in between when they were bought out. Does it solve your issue - NO - but it lets you know - that there is quite a bit of “false advertising” going on or at the very least unethical advertising. I believe when someone buys a company and it is now under new management, they should disclose this so you know it’s a new ball game. Of course they don’t want to do that - it’s better for them to let you keep believing the “story”.

Negative
On Jun 17, 2010, allaboutblooms (1 reviews) from Charlotte, NC

Never has a company been more deserving of going out of business. I have ordered roses from numerous suppliers in various parts of the country and never have I experienced the poor quality roses that Ashdown supplied nor their total disregard for their customers. I donated money to a rose garden they were developing for research and development and the money was used for other purposes. Arrogance and dishonesty have a way of catching up with businesses like this one.

Positive
On Oct 3, 2009, carpincho70 (8 reviews) from Hot Springs National Park, AR

Outstanding customer service!!!! I am very happy with their constant attention to my needs in terms of shipping ( I had to reschedule shipping several times) and the prompt solution to any concerns I might have. I believe they are closing their nursery and I think it is a shame but if they come back in the form of a different company I would certainly give them a try again!!!!

Neutral
On Jul 27, 2009, monniemon (10 reviews) from Lansdale, PA

I ordered from Ashdown for the first time last winter, my order was to be shipped in the beginning of this season, which was april 09. I ordered Eden Climber, Awakening, Ardoisee De Lyon, Sombrueil Climber. I only received 2 of the 4,( sombrueil and Awakening). I contacted Ashdown, and they informed me that there was problems with the other 2 roses and they would ship them out in approx, 2 weeks. After 3weeks i received no emails from them concerning my order so i emailed them to ask where my roses were, they informed me they were still having problems and gave me the option to wait until fall planting, and MAYBE they would be available to ship, or to choose other roses from the website, and they offered me a free rose for my troubles. I decided to ask for a refund, and i found the eden climbers at a local nursery in a Gallon size pot for the price of the band pot i would have gotten at Ashdown. These are kind sweet people at Ashdowns, but the plants i received were very small, and thats okay if you dont mind waiting for the next season to see results, but I do mind. I feel as though I had to keep tabs on them for my plants and then for my refund, there was a problem putting the monies back because i had a new card number, but Ashdown never emailed me to let me know that. I found out a month later after it came to mind and i had my husband check my account. But we figured a way around that and I did receive my refund and they did email me to let me know they had returned the monies to my card as i asked. But in all, I have nothing bad to say about Ashdown, things happen, and i can deal with that, but to have to wait for a plant for a year thats just crazy. I also think customer service should have done a better job with notifying me. I will not order from Ashdown again.

Positive
On Jul 26, 2009, kentstar (39 reviews) from Ravenna, OH (Zone 5b)

As a NE Ohio gardener, I was worried about planting a rose in the heat of summer.Would it have enough time to settle in? Would it even survive my kindness? lol No worries! I bought William Baffin from Ashdown. I planted him straight in the ground from a small pot, and he has never missed a beat! He has stayed green and strong, and even has new leaves growing now! I was skeptical about planting such a smaller sized rose straight in the ground, because the first couple of roses I planted this year died (probably from my over-babying them), and they were also ownroot. But, Ashdown has restored my faith in my own planting abilities! I would definitely be back!

Positive
On Jul 12, 2009, Cloisters (15 reviews) from New Bern, NC

Very pleased with my recent shipment from Ashdown. Among the nurseries my friends & I order band-size roses from, Ashdown supplies plants that invariably have the most well-developed root systems. As a result, I find that Ashdown's grow rapidly and with more more vigor than bands from most other sources. A unique aspect of Ashdown's online catalog is their indentification of the provenance of each rose in their large collection. That information has been especially helpful as my interest in acquiring old garden roses has grown.

Positive
On May 10, 2009, floria (27 reviews) from Athens, GA (Zone 8a)

I ordered 21 roses from this company last winter. They came a month ago. They did arrive with blackspot, but I stripped them and they are doing very well now, having sprouted new clean leaves in no time and growing rapidly. Three of them died - they were replaced without questions. I found their videos about pruning extremely useful - very easy to follow and very logical. They also have several roses that I could not find anywhere else. In addition, Paul helped me a lot with designing a rose hedge for my garden. I will definitely order again from them next spring.

Positive
On Apr 24, 2009, divvajacko (40 reviews) from Hinckley, OH (Zone 6a)

I received my five plants on time and in good condition. I will pot them up temporarily to give them some growing time. I have had great experiences with Ashdown and I seem to always have at least one order from them each year. Highly recommended.


On May 9th, 2009, divvajacko added the following: My "William Baffin" has arrived in fine condition. Can't wait to plant it. Ashdown does it again.

Positive
On Mar 19, 2009, rosesnpots (8 reviews) from Virginia Beach, VA

I picked up my order in Feb and when I was re-potting them from the band pot into 1gal pot as recommended, I was very please to see each rose was very healthy had a very strong deep root system. Now one month later, they are thriving and have are filling out nicely. I have also been watching the rose care videos and I find they all very easy to understand and highly recommend all of them. Their rose library is the best with great descriptions and pictures. Plus if you see a rose you would like and Ashdown has the "mother plant" they will propagate it for you at no extra cost. They have done it for me.

Positive
On Feb 28, 2009, catloverrachel (6 reviews) from Columbia, SC (Zone 8a)

I have ordered own-root antique roses from Ashdown Roses for several years now. Like most small companies, they are eager to please their customers. If they don't have what a customer wants in their current listings, they will root cuttings for you from their rose "library". Their offerings are extensive, and the quality is good. They also have a great replacement policy. I once had to have a plant replaced twice, which they did without hesitation. [Ashdown was experimenting with a less costly shipping method, which resulted in a higher than normal mortality rate for the roses. They have since modified the packaging to prevent this problem]. For a real treat, visit Ashdown during their spring rose festival, where you will feast on the sight of thousands of roses in full bloom at once!

Positive
On Oct 18, 2008, Rosegardener119 (2 reviews) from Manchester, TN (Zone 7a)

My husband and I had planned a trip to S.C. last month and I wanted to visit Ashdown Roses on the way home. We were welcomed with open arms and the personal attention we received was wonderful. Paul and Trish were very helpful with our selections. We bought several and all are doing great. We are very impressed with Ashdown and plan on continuing to do business with them and possibly plan another visit next spring.

Positive
On Oct 14, 2008, sunnishine (1 reviews) from Virginia Beach, VA

I have ordered from this company several times. Their own root roses are great. I have received some great roses from them. Once I had one plant start to die from canker. I emailed them about the problem and I received an immediate response and the replacement arrived the next week. Paul Zimmerman(owner) and Trish are wonderful and helpful people. Their selection of unique roses which include Delbard and Beales roses are unmatched. They are very willing to help you with any problem with your roses. They are also very willing to share their rose growing strategies with anyone who asks. You will not regret ordering from these wonderful people.

Negative
On Jul 7, 2008, trobi (1 reviews) from Lincoln, NE

I have ordered from Ashdown in the past and am pleased with the roses they provide, but both times I have ordered I have experienced problems with delivery. I ordered and paid for two roses last September. I received my order late this spring, and only received one of the roses I purchased. I have tried to contact them four times regarding a refund for the rose I did not receive and have not gotten a response. Overall they seem like nice people with a good product, but I am very unhappy to have paid for a rose and shipping and received neither the product nor a response regarding a refund.

Positive
On May 26, 2008, chicochi3 (20 reviews) from Fayetteville, AR (Zone 6b)

Great source for hard-to-find roses. Pleasant people to work with. Roses were healthy when delivered.

Positive
On Jun 22, 2007, MaryAnn_VA (3 reviews) from Charlottesville, VA

I ordered 2 roses from Ashdown a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't locate my initial ship-date information & emailed them & got a very prompt reply ... in fact, right after I sent my note, I found the inf'n I was looking for & was about to email them a "never mind" when I got their response! I received another email when the roses were shipped so I could be on the lookout for them. They arrived extremely well-packed and in great condition. This was my first order with Ashdown, and I won't hesitate to order again.

Positive
On May 6, 2007, winterrobin (9 reviews) from South Dennis, NJ (Zone 7b)

My order of 6 roses from Ashdown arrived quickly, and in perfect condition. The packing was excellent---safe and secure---but not so difficult to remove that I had to scratch my hands and arms to shreds to get them out of the boxes. They were all good sized, in leaf, and one (Homere) even had blooms. I put the pots aside until I had a chance to transplant them, but as luck would have it, we experienced a horrible "nor'easter", with 40 mph wind gusts. Almost all the leaves were blown off two of the roses. I though they might not recuperate for this season, but, two weeks later, ALL THEIR LEAVES ARE REGROWN, and they are ready for their permanent homes. The fact that they could re-grow so fast is a tribute to good early care by Ashdown. I'll be shopping here again.

Positive
On May 3, 2007, kayschild (2 reviews) from Manchester, NH

There are very few companies that are interested in maintaining such high standards in customer service as Ashdown Roses!!! Their employees go out of their way to ensure that your experience with Ashdown is more than satisfactory. The roses arrive robust and of a very good size! I have had nothing but attentive service and awesome roses from this company!!!

Positive
On Apr 17, 2007, tangaloor (5 reviews) from Benton City, WA

The shipping was fast from SC to WA and my Brother's Grimm Fairy Tale arrived in good condition. Not much soil lost from handling in transit. Arrived well leafed and budded. Has since has some transport shock and turned a few leaves yellow, but overall is doing well. Currently still potted due to nighttime temps. Would use Ashdown again. I also find their email newsletter and articles interesting. Alison

Positive
On Apr 4, 2007, Mary1NYS (14 reviews) from Sherrill, NY (Zone 5a)

Wow..just recd a gorgeous 2 feet tall well branched, budded and blooming Priscilla Burton rose from Ashdown West. Sent by priority mail it only took 2 days shipping time from Ca and arrived moist with great packaging. Very pleased!

Positive
On Mar 15, 2007, DarcyPennell (6 reviews) from Durham, NC

I had never ordered roses by mail before and was a little apprehensive, and I'm happy to say I had an excellent experience with Ashdown. My roses were shipped when I asked for, well-packaged, healthy plants of a good size. 2 of them already have flower buds. One was a bit small and they gave me a discount on that one, without my having to ask. Communication with their customer service was excellent. I will definitely order from them again.

Positive
On Jan 24, 2007, rosethyme (12 reviews) from Denton, TX (Zone 7b)

I've ordered from Ashdown for several years now and have always been extremely pleased. They're very friendly and knowledgeable. Trish goes the extra mile to try and see if they have a particular plant you're really wanting. They're always adding new roses and having sales which makes it interesting and more affordable. I will definitely order again. Karen

Negative
On Jul 30, 2006, Chrisqq (2 reviews) from (Zone 9a)

I never got to plant my Ashdown Rose. I ordered Lichtkonigan Lucia ( Very hard to find) and it arrived dead, almost 2 weeks after they shipped it. I was told it was sent "Priority Mail" (it wasn't), and should have gotten there in 4-5 days. So when I called them about the dead plant, they sent another one and Trish assured me it would be sent "Priority Mail" (It wasn't) It again arrived almost 2 weeks later, dead. I have to say, that as nice and apologetic as they were, I'm paying money for a product, not niceness. They paid postage twice and ended up giving me a refund (not quite the right amount) I still would not order again from them due to their unreliable shipping practices (do they have a frenzied mail room?)and the tiny dead plant that arrived.

Positive
On Jun 23, 2006, Nigella (23 reviews) from Wilmington,
United States

I ordered three roses from Ashdown during their sale in June I was a bit wary after reading so many customers' complain this year. However, my roses arrived in 4 days and were in tiptop shape. All three very decent sized bushes, two with buds on them. The roses are healthy and the one bud that has opened a bloom in a week smells wonderful as I expected of the variety I ordered. Ashdown started to grow very fast and acquired a fantastic array of stock plants. They may not have enough people to help them out time-to-time (to find knowledgeable support staff is one of the most difficult in the nursery business as I see it) but the owner and the major 'players' at the company are very helpful and enthusiastic rosarians. I think they will do better and better year after year and I wish them the very best to succeed.

Positive
On Jun 11, 2006, merlinsboy (1 reviews) from Campobello, SC

I found my experience with this company to be delightful. It is a small family run nursery with folks who honestly care about what they are doing. They have a wonderful selection of plants that just can not be found anywhere else. I was lucky enough to be able to tour the roses that are in quarantine still and watch out rose growers! The best is yet to come. The new roses by Delbard and Kordes are stunning. I can't wait for all of the Peter Beales roses myself. Their shipping program is awesome. I arrived on a day when they had trailer fulls just waiting to be boxed and shipped. While I live close, they let me look at how they ship. The boxes are incredible. I order plants from all over the US and this is by far the best packaging I have ever seen. I will continue to purchase and bring home these wonderful plants. Lawns are a waste of time.

Negative
On Jun 9, 2006, wilktitus (2 reviews) from Fairburn, GA (Zone 7b)

In their "policies" they warn that Roses may arrive with Black Spot. Boy, do they ever arrive with black spot. I would recommend not doing business with this company unless u really want to have one of their special roses. In addition the roses is very poor looking and spindly. Customer service is very arrogant about the black spot. I have been wondering if the Dept. of Agri. in South Carolina and other states that they ship to are aware that they ship diseased roses. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Positive
On May 21, 2006, whyme (1 reviews) from Moore, SC

I have purchased many roses from Ashdown in the past three years. All of my roses have been healthy and thrived. Some of them were small when I received them but they were healthy with good root systems and took off once they were in the ground. I like the fact that they include planting and care instructions in the box and also that they include a sheet explaining that sometimes roses will develop blackspot when being shipped in a dark, humid box and what to do about it if it happens. I have used their custom propagation service and was very pleased. I placed myself on the wait list for several roses and I was notified the next year that they were available. This was done at no extra cost to me, versus other nurseries that charge a hefty fee for custom propagation. The staff is always kind, helpful and responsive to my calls or emails. They may not contact me immediately but they do contact me in a reasonable amount of time. My overall experience has been very positive and I will most certainly continue to buy from them.

Negative
On May 18, 2006, GailMarie (1 reviews) from Riverside, CA

I ordered two roses in March and paid for them when ordering. I was informed within a week that shipping would be delayed until May. In late April I was notified that one of the roses I ordered was unavailable and was given the choice of choosing a new rose or getting a refund. I chose the refund, but as of today May 18, 2006 my account has not been credited. It was also today that I received the remaining rose of the order. When opening the package I discovered a pot full of soil, but no rose. Also roses that I had ordered 01/2006 arrived with black spot. Needless to say that I expected better service from a company reccommended by the California Riverside Rose Society.

Neutral
On May 11, 2006, robbieZone5 (5 reviews) from Craryville, NY

i am posting because i just read that someone else seems to have had an experience to mine. i ordered three roses online in early february, and received an invoice that i was charged for three roses (and their shipping). originally, i requested a ship date of mid-april. later, i learned that this date was too early for me to plant in my zone. so, i contacted ashdown in mid- or late-march to change the shipping date. also --- in reviewing my invoice, i realized that i had mistakenly ordered an incorrect rose. that was probably my fault, because i was considering this rose, but ultimately decided upon another. i may have mistakenly ordered the wrong rose. so, i changed this to another rose. these problems were easily corrected. and everything seemed fine. the new ship date that i requested (first week of may) came and went, the second week of may came, and i received no notification that my roses were being shipped. i called a couple days ago. no answer. left a message. i didn't hear back. just now, i contacted them and was told: 1) the roses are going to be shipped next week. this is bad timing for me because of travelling, and i specifically requested shipment to arrive for the first weekend in may to avoid a conflict with my schedule --- but, whatever, i'll work something out. 2) one of the roses that i originally ordered (not the one i changed) is not being sent. i was told that this rose is sold out and i will be receiving two roses. i was never notified of this when i first ordered (i received an invoice and was charged for three roses). again, i was not notified of this when i called in late-march to reschedule shipment, and switch one of the other roses. in fact, at that time, i reviewed which roses would be shipped in may to make sure that there wouldn't be any mistakes or confusion in the update --- again, i was not notified that one of the roses i wanted was unavailable. honestly, i wish that i was notified of the unavailability of this rose back in february (when i first ordered) ---- or even in late-march (when i contacted them to reschedule the shipment). i could have worked on making other arrangements then. also, every time i contact them there is some confusion where they seem to be consulting my order from last year (no problems last year). this time, i was told that i am listed in their system in a few different ways? it always takes a few tries to track down my order info. maybe this is why there is some confusion?


On February 20th, 2007, robbieZone5 changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: One of the roses I received was so very very tiny. I was advised that Ashdown is very helpful, and I should contact them. I did, and the reason for the small plant was explained to me. I can understand that things sometimes happen. The person who emailed me (Paul) was very nice, and I was told that I would be given a credit which I could use towards ordering a new rose. I just contacted them today (Feb. 20, 2007). They were very nice and very helpful. There seemed to be no problem in selecting a new rose, and hopefully all will go well when it is shipped in May.
On June 1st, 2007, robbieZone5 changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following: In my records, I made a note that the replacement rose (Quietness) was meant to be shipped from Ashdown on the 14th of May. I waited a bit, but as of May 29th (two weeks past when it was due to have been shipped), the rose did not arrive --- and no notification. I decided to call Ashdown. I was told that they are behind in deliveries, and expected to catch-up by the end of this week/beginning of next week. I really wish they contacted me to let me know of a delivery delay, instead of placing the burden on their customers to track down what is going on. I still have not received an email with explanation of delivery delay, and there is no mention of delivery delays on their web Site. Even after speaking with the person on the phone, I don't have a clear idea of when to expect delivery. And I expect that I'll have to call back at the beginning of next week. The person who answered my call never bothered to consult their records (didn't ask for any information, such as name, etc., that could be used to access account/order information), and I'm a little worried that my replacement order was probably somehow lost in their records. I'm looking through my records, and see that I've never received any sort of confirmation for the replacement. The replacement order was done over the phone back 0n February 20. So... My fingers remain crossed (tightly) that it'll work out ok. But, from my experience, there seems to be a problem with customer service. I just wish Ashdown would make a better effort to reach out to their customers to let them know if there might be a problem with an order, or that delivery is delayed. I am very understanding that sometimes things happen, I can deal with that. But the problem is that when I am not notified it makes it very difficult to plan the rest of my life when there is always the mystery of if/when the Ashdown delivery will arrive and need to be received & planted (I live/work in NYC, garden in upstate New York around work & travel schedule). I'd like to be more supportive of Ashdown, because I genuinely admire their Web site's stated goals, but my experience makes it really hard for me to recommend them. And I see so many positive reviews, so maybe my experience is mostly a fluke. I'd still order from Ashdown before a big box-type store, though --- but only because I think that big-box business practices are ultimately unhealthy for our nation. --robbie--

Positive
On Apr 20, 2006, BeeVee (10 reviews) from Tampa, FL

I did not have a good experience with Ashdown. After hearing some good comments about this company, I decided to order from them. I placed an order back on January the 12th. I was charged for my three roses early February and was expecting shipment in March. Then I was on a wait list for another rose which despite me canceling the transaction, I was also charged for it. I called and emailed them a few times regarding my first order and for some reason, my order seemed to be in limbo. I was told it would be for May shipping but this was not for the original order. I had to explain this in quite a few emails and a few calls and finally I was told that my roses would be sent out but not all of it. Julia's Rose was not available. So I just wondered why I was charged way back in February and was not told about JR, when supposedly the order is tagged for you as soon as your cc is charged. Had I known earlier, I could have bought it from someplace else. My order finally got here mid April and one of the rose bush was small. The other one was a good size. but not worth the price I paid. I do have to say in all fairness, that the stuff was nice and did understand my frustration with my order.


On April 21st, 2006, BeeVee added the following: Meant to say the "staff" was nice.
On May 24th, 2006, BeeVee changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following: I am changing my rating due to the fact that after Paul wanted anyone who was having problems to contact him directly. Here's an owner of a business that does indeed make every attempt to make sure the customer is happy. All it took from me was an email and Paul immediately responded. He's going beyond my expectations to correct any errors that caused my disappointment. To many people at the Rose Forum love Ashdown and knew that any question or problem would be remedied. So yes, I am also going to place another order with Ashdown, knowing that they do back up their gorgeous selections of roses. A very good, polite, and knowledgable owner...Mr. Paul Zimmerman. Marta Acaba Tampa Florida
Company representative comment on April 23, 2006:

On Apr 23, 2006 6:50 PM, Ashdown Roses, Ltd. added:

I called this customer personally when we became aware we were having trouble with some of the roses, and some orders would not be shipped complete. I explained the situation, offered my apologies for the confusion and offered to do what the customer wanted to make the situation right, including sending other roses or offering a refund. The customers choose the refund and I processed it right after we hung up.

The facts she lists are correct and her complaint is legitimate and in no way do I want to suggest it isn’t. The customer was very nice on the phone. I merely wanted to add the omitted fact that we personally called customers when we had issues with their orders and did whatever they asked to make it right.

I would also like to add that we do not knowingly charge customers for roses we know in advance we cannot deliver. That is fraud and we do not conduct our business that way. When working with plants things sometimes happen - as in this case.

Paul F. Zimmerman
Owner
Ashdown Roses Ltd.

Positive
On Apr 15, 2006, mijo (3 reviews) from Gilroy, CA

I have had good experiences with the roses I have ordered from Ashdown- despite living such a distance away. A few years ago they had a lovely sale on 2 gallon roses that were getting "too big for their pots." I purchased several because they were such a good price. To my delight, they all came in good condition, despite the fact that it had gotten quite hot in the season and that they had admittedly outgrown their pots. They are now standing lovely in my garden- the Barbara Worl is blooming away!

Neutral
On Feb 15, 2006, LI_Rose (12 reviews) from (Zone 6b)

I'm sorry to report that my experience with Ashdown in 2002-2003 was not a positive one. Their roses were simply not healthy specimens, and 6 out of 7 died. Some were replaced upon my request, but these also died. The one surviving rose is doing very well. It may well be that Ashdown's stock has improved since the time of my order, but with so many great rose vendors available and a limited budget to work with, I hesitate to order from Ashdown again. LIR

Positive
On Aug 12, 2005, admodeva (20 reviews) from Dutton, AL (Zone 7a)

I ordered 6 roses from Ashdown. They arrived quickly, and were very large and healthy looking, and are growing lots of new leaves. Their customer service is a little slow to answer emails-I made a mistake on the order form as to when I wanted them shipped and wanted to change the date-waited a week with no response after the 1st email and then sent a 2cd, but when I did hear from them they were very nice and happy to change the date for me. I like the way they package the plants, holding the containers in place, so even if the box is upside down the roses don't move around or get crushed. I will order more from them.

Positive
On Apr 2, 2005, mlyman (1 reviews) from Osceola, IN

I discovered Ashdown Roses while searching high and low for a certain rose that I used to have at a previous residence. Actually, my original one that I had gotten from another company long ago turned out to be grafted but the three I got from Ashdown are own root. There was some time before the roses I wanted would be available but they kept in contact with me and when they did ship they were in an upgraded form at no extra charge due to the delay. They really went out of their way. I have been extremely pleased with the customer service as well as the plants. I have several other roses on order for this year. Two of them I asked for suggestions on wanting something that would climb well, tolerate a fair amount of shade and provide specific coloration. I got specialized assistance and advice to solve the problem in that area. I have always had quick and very helpful responses from them and they are extremely pleasant to work with. I am very pleased with their website as well! Lots of interesting features and information and it's really easy to search in their huge database several ways. They even have a waiting list you can be put on for specific roses that they monitor closely and you are notified when they become available. Their new cataloge is exceptional also. p.s. to Trish at Ashdown - thanks again sooo very much for all your help!

Neutral
On Nov 11, 2004, Cottage_Rose (15 reviews) from Cedar Springs, MI (Zone 5b)

I ordered 2 roses from Ashdown and was not pleased with them. They were small and diseased and have not done well. To their credit Ashdown did give me a partial refund which I requested instead of going through the hassle of replacing them. I opted for the refund since I didn't want to end up with more poor quality roses.

Positive
On Sep 28, 2004, jameseavesjo (4 reviews) from Coralville, IA

I had no problems, received my order as promised, and the plant was nicely packaged and in good condition.

Negative
On Sep 3, 2004, purpleice (22 reviews) from Bridgman, MI (Zone 5a)

This company has been my very WORST experience with any nursery I've ever dealt with. In April of this year I ordered Dortmond and Chinatown for a total of $44.50. I received Chinatown on time but no Dortmond because he wasn't ready. "Will ship him in 2-3 weeks". Chinatown is in dismal shape, to be polite, and I wait for my other rose. Another message, "Can't ship Dortmond until fall because of very bad growing season". Okay, I reply and say" make sure D. is in better shape than Chinatown because this rose is truly pathetic." Not to worry they say, "D. is head and shoulders above what poor C. sounds like and you WILL get credit for C." Meanwhile, C. dies. The only rose I ever got that was 7" in April and stayed that way until August. Then I email them to inquire about D. and when it will arrive and they don't reply until two weeks later and the reply I receive has nothing to do with my inquiry. So, I call them and leave a message. No call back from them but another message that informs me D. will ship Sept. 6. Now I get excited! I'm finally getting my Dortmond after all this time waiting. Today I get another message that tells me D. won't ship until spring 2005 because what they thought they had reserved and nurtured for me wasn't a Dortmond after all, " sorry, thank you for your order with us". The bottom line is that I paid nearly $50.00 for a rose that pretty much arrived DOA and one that I have yet to receive. And, still no credit for the failed one. Roses that arrive looking awful, roses that don't arrive at all and contradictory messages sent to a customer aren't going to make a nursery thrive. Unanswered telephone calls won't either. I'm very, very disapointed.

Negative
On Jul 4, 2004, yewman (2 reviews) from Gainesville, FL

I ordered a hard-to-find rose from this company on their website and received a confirmation and expected ship date. About two weeks after the ship date, I called to enquire as to the status as I wanted to try to get it elsewhere if it was not available and was told not to worry, they would be shipping shortly. I asked if I needed to do anything further and they said no. A month went by and I received no response to a voice mail inquiry. At this point checking on the website revealed that the rose was no longer listed as available until September. I called and left a message asking that they cancel my order and not charge my credit card. I have received no further communication or apology from them.

Positive
On Jun 17, 2004, angel_jim (8 reviews)

Ordered three roses from Ashdown. Great company. Order arrived promptly, one week after placing order. One did not thrive, and they replaced it. Very, very friendly people, great to deal with. Would order from them again.

Neutral
On Jun 17, 2004, msanjelpie (54 reviews) from Meridian, ID

Placed order for 3 roses - prices seem high - order not shipping for 4 months... frustrating... DECOBUG

Positive
On Jun 11, 2004, margotmary (1 reviews) from Oakland, CA

Just received two climbing Margo Koster roses in perfect condition, even though sent late in the season...June! Staff were very helpful on the phone, plants came well packed and exactly when predicted. Will definitely use again!

Positive
On Jun 8, 2004, roselovr (10 reviews) from East Hampton, NY

Wonderful customer service; fantastic website and selection; great roses (both own-root and grafted)

Positive
On Apr 24, 2004, tamarava (13 reviews) from Chesapeake, VA

First time I ordered from this company.The customer service email was very good,I didn't have to wonder about anything...confirmation,shipping date,etc.The order was shipped out fast and the rose was healthy (and properly pruned for shipment!).The rose seems to be settling in well.Will keep this eastcoast grower in mind for my next order.Tamarava

Positive
On Mar 23, 2004, DaveintheATL (1 reviews)

As a novice rose grower I was very impressed with the customer service and the two roses I ordered. the Double Delight and Felicia were very healthy plants and are already outperforming the other roses I purchased from a subsequent competitor (well known Texas grower). I have ordered a Souv. de la Malmaison (climber) and can't wait to plant it. I will update in the future with the two different growers and their roses.

Positive
On Nov 7, 2003, patricia43 (9 reviews)

I ordered from them for winter/spring delivery of 2003. I received my roses, one of which was mislabeled. They told me they did not have that particular rose in stock, but would send it this coming season (2004). The roses that I got have done extremely well. Great big, healthy bare-roots and own-root roses. Two of the roses I ordered did not make it through their freeze and as the check had already been mailed, they promptly refunded me. I will order from them again as I know that anything that mother nature did was not their fault and I have gotten many mislabeled plants for nurseries before who never even mentioned a refund or swapping the plant, on the contrary.

Positive
On Oct 23, 2003, Hippychick (3 reviews)

Ashdowns is a first rate vendor. Customer service is unbeatable. The very best in the buisness. The many roses i have recieved from them are first rate. Shipping was a little high for me personally on some grafted plants i recieved last year, but then, i have never, and do mean EVER recieved such HUGE, monsterous, healthy roses in my life, lol. I dont know how they can do that and stay in buisness! I am glad that Paul has added gallon sized roses, i can afford the shipping on those, lol. They will always have my buisness. You just have to give them a try, you wont be sorry!!!

Positive
On Aug 16, 2003, Lynnette (31 reviews) from Courtenay,
Canada

It is always a pleasure to deal with a company that cares about it's customers. Have ordered twice from this company and the roses were sent accross the boarder into Canada. All arrived in excellent condition (both bare roots and budded) and all are doing well. Ashdown is a first rate rose nursery.

Positive
On Aug 11, 2003, BobGale (9 reviews) from Belmont, MA

I am very happy with my first order from Ashdown. Plants were well sized (esp. the 3 gallon potted) and are all thriving. Awesome selection of OGR and hard to find varieties. Many options on sizes and grafted vs. own root.

Neutral
On Aug 5, 2003, icy (7 reviews) from Buford, GA

Wonderful staff. A fairly nice selection. The plants were a bit smaller than my ussual rose place. Some were way smaller.

Negative
On Jun 20, 2003, jann (2 reviews) from Mogadore, OH

I ordered own root roses from Ashdown last spring.Roses were packaged well.A year latter one rose was incorrectly identified,while several aren't thriving as well as the roses I ordered from other companies.


On May 22nd, 2006, jann changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following: This is the third year I've ordered roses from Ashdown and it will be the last. I received Compassion in a 2 gallon pot which was a one stick wonder (6-7 inches high)The price of the 2 gallon was $16.95 plus shipping.As far as I'm concerned someone stuck a band in a 2 gallon pot! If I had wanted to purchase bands I would have ordered from another vendor.

Positive
On Apr 26, 2003, oldroser (5 reviews)

I was surprised when the roses arrived and were unpacked. Three out of four are in full leaf and bud with some color on the once-blooming damask, Amanda Patenotte. It's still early spring here and roses are over a month away! The one bare-root plant was husky and had already started to break dormancy. The one gallon size of potted roses are beautiful, stocky plants. This is the third time I've ordered from Ashdown and I've always been pleased with their bushes which arrive in excellent condition.

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