Rhododendrons Direct

I did my research and chose this company based on it's positive reviews and good selection of unique Rhodies, I ordered the beautiful R. cinnabarinum - Red for $31.99; it was to have been a memorial plant for a dear friend. I received the plant, the root ball was protected in plastic and was very wet. The plant appeared to be in good shape but a little wilty which I took to be a result of the less than ideal environment inside the box. I potted it immediately to keep it safe until its final planting location was ready but it started going downhill fast. Half of it was black within a week and in another 7 days the leaves, while still intact were completely black. I emailed Jim on July 1st, the 7th, and finally on the 30th but have received no response. I still have faith in the company based on the other reviews and would like a replacement but a refund would suffice. I frequently purchase live plants via mail order from other companies and this was the most disappointing experience I've ever had.

Posted on June 26, 2020, updated June 26, 2020 I ordered a 24"-30" Catawbiense Album Rhododendron which I did receive. Unfortunately, this plant was not packaged well and the outside of the box did not have any markings indicating the proper orientation and I believe this box spent the majority of its 2,000 plus mile journey upside down. This poor plant was so beaten and tattered when it arrived that all of the twigs were broken there was no life left in this poor plant. Despite its deplorable condition, I planted it immediately in a well-suited location for the rhododendron and proceeded to water it according to the suggestions on Rhododendron Direct's website. Of course, this plant never recovered and despite numerous calls, emails, and 1 Facebook post, "Jim H" will not respond. I am at a loss for what to do and I am not the type of person to make trouble for an online business. If you are considering purchasing from Rhododendrons direct I would advise against it for the simple fact that they do not honor a warranty claim. It appears they have seen the Facebook post because I have been blocked from their facebook page.

We purchased 2 plants from Rhododendrons Direct this April - a 12"-15" "Black Widow," and a "36"-42 Mature Plant" Mrs. TH Lowinsky." We paid $179 for the larger Mrs. TH Lowinsky (5x5 at 10 years) because we needed to fill a relatively large hole in our landscaping left by an azalea we lost this winter. The size of the Mrs. TH Lowinsky (26" tall, 30" across) was disappointing given the premium we paid to receive a "Mature Plant" instead of something no larger than what can be found at our local box stores for 1/3rd of the cost. Perhaps more disappointing was the lack of response from Rhododendrons Direct when we raised this issue with them. We contacted Jim and asked to either return or exchange the plant, or perhaps to receive a price adjustment but received no response from him.

About 16 months ago I was looking to place a couple of mature Rhododendrons in my front yard. My location was in need of both Shade Tolerant and Heat Tolerant. While my Northern facing house gets little to no sun, it is Las Vegas with temps up to 114 dry heat in the summer. I contacted Jim at Rhododendrons Direct and he helped me walk through selections. The website is well organized with different criteria, including heat tolerant and shade tolerant categories. These massive Rhodies (36-inches diameter each) were shipped with care and arrived ready for planting. Now, more than a year later, with a great June bloom last year, the buds are set for another great show this year. Quality products and great selection for any Rhodie lover. Thanks Jim.

These are the best rhododendrons we've ever purchased through the mail. In fact, they're some of the best period! Rhdododendeon 'Aglo', 'Calsap', 'Hachmann's Picobello', and 'Bow Bells' all arrived well-packed and in a timely manner. The root balls were large and the roots appeared healthy to a close inspection. We asked for a specific shipping date and the owner was responsive to email and helpful. The selection is remarkable too. Highly recommended!