Lots of Plants

I ordered four camellias in 3-gallon pots, my first experience with this online nursery. Based on this one experience, these were the pros and cons: PROS: - The pots were well-packed and the plants arrived in good condition. - The plants were well-developed and healthy-looking. CON: - The customer service person indicated the plants would be 18"-22" in height, but they ranged instead from 14" to 16". This made a difference to me because I had corresponded with two other nurseries who sent photos and heights that indicated their plants were similar in size to these, but priced a little cheaper. One went out of his way to say that they had recently been transplanted into the 3-gallon containers and were a little under-sized for the price. Had I known all three vendors were selling similar-sized plants (and the others also looked to be in good condition), I would have bought the cheapest option. I blame myself partly because I didn't ask Lots of Plants for photos, and if I'd done so I might have determined their plants were similar to the others on offer. Otherwise, though, I expect that these plants will get off to a good start in my garden.

Searched for a healthy bright yellow Azalea and selected one from Lots of Plants. Told the plant would not be available until after May 15th (fine with me). Shipped on May 18th, communication and tracking information was perfect. Three day transit from Oregon to eastern Iowa. Plant received and very healthy. Now it is up to me to keep it that way. Super smooth transaction and process. Thank you! Marie from Iowa

I purchased 3 Variegated Winter Daphnes in the 2 gallon size for $93 each from LotsofPlants.com. The plants arrived looking very unhealthy. There was barely any developed root system on the 3 plants, many of the leaves on each plant were yellow with brown spots or had brown curling edges. And, the size of the plants were shockingly small, about .75 gallons instead of 2 gallons. When I emailed to let Joseph know that I was very unhappy with my purchase, I was told that they would only address concerns related to damage incurred during shipping, but that based on the photos I sent to them, the plants looked healthy! Denial can be powerful. They would not replace at least two of the three plants which were the most unhealthy looking, and of course, they refused to take the three plants back and issue a refund even though I offered to deliver the 3 plants back to their nursery in Sandy, OR because I live in Portland, OR only 45 minutes away. I actually found and purchased three 5 gallon Daphne plants for $99.99 each from another nursery and the difference in size and the health of these plants from those of LotsofPlants.com is night and day. Needless to say, I will never do business with LotsofPlants.com again and neither should you.

I purchased a Siebold camellia in a 3 gallon pot in November of 2020. The plant arrived as quickly as could be expected for a cross-country trip. I planted it in a partly shaded area (heavy shade from tall Douglas firs and full sun). The plant was lush, and already had blossom buds on it, which bloomed a few months later. Unfortunately, the plant was NOT deer-resistant, as claimed, so I lost all the new growth in the spring. (Partially my fault, as I knew that deer were opportunistic grazers, sampling everything to find what they really want). As a consequence, I lost much of last year's grown but the plant remained healthy and is thriving inside a wire cage. I am waiting to see what will happen as this Spring progresses. I was impressed enough with the camellia that I ordered a Rose of Sharon hibiscus and an azalea to be delivered in January. There was a mix-up on shipping and only the hibiscus arrived instead of both plants but that was quickly corrected. Both arrived seemingly healthy (despite the azalea having been delayed several days due to the severe storms in January of 2022) and were very well-budded but have yet to open their buds yet, 3 months and 2 months, respectively, after planting. I also recently ordered a second Rose of Sharon which was shipped much sooner than was stated in the advertisement. I will report on all of them later, this month or next.

This post is late in coming but I was reminded of the company after spending the weekend replacing plants purchased from them last year (2020). I placed two orders: the first was for three ‘Fire Chief’ Arborvitae. Perfect experience (and I purchase a lot of plants online). Nice full, healthy plants, packaged well. After such a good first experience I ordered two ‘Whipcord’ Thuja plicata soon after. These plants were a huge disappointment. The plants were small, and the root systems barely larger than plugs. I wrote in expressing my disappointment, although I was very polite and said I hoped it was a case of mislabeled or prematurely transplanted product. I indicated the order had been my second in as many weeks. The reply I received was dismissive and insulting. It insisted that Whipcord “never root well.” I wrote back, politely again, and received a two-line reply not-so-subtly telling me to get lost. All of this was particularly striking as I’d ordered two of the same cultivar from a competitor—in the same size—and received fuller plants with roots nearly filling the pots. I ordered more from Lots of Plants solely because they processed and shipped more quickly and the first order was so impressive. I’m glad others have had first experiences similar to my own but after the way I was treated on my second order I won’t be giving them a third chance.

Ordered 3 mountain laurels and really could not be happier. Absolutely gorgeous, very healthy, and well packaged. Was actually surprised by the nice size of the plants. I'm usually a bit disappointed by mail-order plants but these were just fantastic. Have been in the ground for a couple of months and already lots of new growth. Will definitely use again!

Ordered a 3 gallon hydrangea. Packaging was good, and the plant that arrived, was a good size. despite 8 days in transit (not the sellers fault, as I live on the opposite side of the US), it was still healthy and ready to go in the ground. Would order from them again.

I ordered 2 mountain laurel shrubs and 1 pieris japonica. They were beautifully shipped and were a really good size and healthy. I am well pleased and plan on ordering more plants.

Placed my first order with Lots of Plants. Aucuba was shipped on date promised (which has not been my experience with other on-line sources during this virus pandemic). It was well packed and arrived in good shape and was roughly of the size (top growth) promised also.