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Comments regarding Cottage Farms

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  Feedback History and Summary  
68 positives
13 neutrals
58 negatives

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RatingAuthorContent
Negative veganman
(17 reviews)
On Mar 9, 2019, veganman Peoria, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote:

I ordered bee balm and was sent lavender.
Not what I ordered. Sat on hold with qvc 10 minutes to have their phone system hang up on me.....twice.

I wish my local big box store sold bee balm, then I wouldn’t have to waste time or money with these fools.

The lavender that did show was sopping wet, yellow, and and 2 inches tall. Looks like compost to me.

Negative lerone
(1 review)
On Feb 18, 2019, lerone Austin, TX wrote:

Mini rose was damaged/died. Their replacement policy is terrible, and customer service very unhelpful. I'd recommend going elsewhere (even if you have to pay more) for far better quality products and better experience all around.


On Feb 18, 2019, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Feb 19, 2019 9:25 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

Ms. Wilson - Our replacement policy states that If for any reason you are dissatisfied or your plant does not perform as expected, we will replace it at no charge. Perennials are warranted for one-year and annuals, are warranted for ninety days from time of shipment. Since your request for replacement came in after our shipping season ended, we advised that your replacement would ship the following season. We are so sorry to hear that you are not satisfied and have canceled your replacement, however, we are still happy to replace the rose when your shipping zone opens this season. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. "


Negative Txtea
(4 reviews)
On Aug 6, 2018, Txtea Fabens, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:

I did not get my order through QVC I went to their direct order. I ordered two Mini Roses the 5 inch pots. Arrived DOA both times, I called and was asked to send pictures of the plants which I did and twice with not a call or E Mail response eather time. Over 50.00 tossed into the fire place. Oh I must admit the replacement plants were not in 5 inch pots, they were in 2 inch pots. If you could include pictures here I can prove the shape of what was sent. If you see them On QVC or through their web site Turn your equipment off and run as fast a you can. I have order so many plants through the net I have lost count. So I can not stress enough this is the worst customer service and worst plants in the whole United States. RUN FOLKS RUN.

Negative plantpeace
(1 review)
On Apr 19, 2018, plantpeace Woodstock, GA wrote:

I placed an order for 3 things. The Fiddleleaf Fig was diseased with a brown spot like disease on the underside of the leaves spreading to the upper side. I threw it in the trash so it wouldn't infect my other house plants.
The 3 Munstead lavenders were supposed to be a live plants.
A more accurate description is deader than doornails bare root plants.


I won't order from them again. I should have known better.

Negative OverWhatHill
(1 review)
On Apr 16, 2018, OverWhatHill San Jose, CA wrote:

I found this wonderful site by searching for Cottage Farms... curious to know if there was anyone else out there who's been very disappointed. Eureka! My family has purchased many things from QVC... Cottage Farm plants and products included. First of all, unless one lives where buying plants from a garden center "in person" isn't an option, I just can't see purchasing live plants via mail order. HOWEVER... those gorgeous plants on QVC and the lively presentations can be irresistible. We've been unable to resist many times. Now that Spring is here, we're out sprucing up the yard during the day... and sometimes looking in on QVC at night. Just this weekend we were outside gardening and commenting on how (specifically) a lilac we bought 10 years ago...TEN YEARS... hasn't bloomed yet. We also have a gorgeous planter filled with iris's that have never bloomed. And, yes, they've all been cared for and fed with Cottage Farms fertilizer. We now watch the QVC presentations... listen closely to their claims. They're pretty forthcoming about how large the plant will be with you receive it... and how long it will take for your plant to look like the plants on the set. I honestly don't recall that the lilac might take over a decade to bloom. We bought one from Home Depot two seasons ago that is currently in bloom... and it's stunning. It's planted next to the Cottage Farms lilac. We were hoping to inspire it... but I fear it's shaming it.

Negative cherjune
(1 review)
On Aug 16, 2016, cherjune Nacogdoches, TX wrote:

I will be the first to admit that I am no gardener. If a plant requires more than watering and occasional fertilization I don't spend money on it because I know it will never make it in my yard. Over the years I have spent hundreds of dollars on items purchased from Cottage Farms via QVC because they are beautiful and because the presentation of said items claimed my purchases would practically grow themselves. Most of the items I received arrived in pretty poor shape but what do I know? I'm no gardener. I do not have ONE single thing from Cottage Farms in my yard that has survived. I have three small flower beds in my yard and I tend them frequently. Most of the plants I have purchased from a local nursery thrive. For the longest time I thought the problems from the CF purchases were my fault but now I'm not so sure. I did order some beautiful dinner plate hibiscus from QVC/Roberta's and they arrived looking healthy and they are gorgeous. I'm not sure they will survive the winter. If not, I will order more next spring. I will never again order anything from Cottage Farms.


On Aug 16, 2016, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Aug 17, 2016 9:10 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

Hi Cherjune: We hate to hear that you received a shipment that was not up to our quality standards. We hand pack each order, and can assure you that they were not shipped in the condition you described. However, because we want to exceed your expectations, we do offer a one year perennial/90 day annual warranty on our products and our customer service team is available year-round to help with any planting or gardening questions you may have. When you have a few moments, please contact Anita at 1-888-593-3644 so that we can better understand your concerns. We look forward to hearing from you. "


Negative DLMenzel
(2 reviews)
On May 2, 2016, DLMenzel Riverton, NJ wrote:

Posted on May 1, 2016, updated May 2, 2016
I wish I could post the photos here to show you how the two tomato plants from Cottage Farms arrived. I had ordered them through QVC, according their website they were shipped on April 25th, they arrived on the 27th dead. Their instructions say the plant might be wilted, these were not wilted both plants were crushed. They were not packaged in order to protect the plant inside the box. I wrote a review on QVC almost immediately with photos QVC has yet to allow it to be posted to their site. I also called QVC because I wanted replacement plants but as I was explaining how the plants arrived they were busy refunding my purchase. I had a feeling I wasn't the only person calling and complaining about Cottage Farms. There was another set of tomato plants that I ordered from Cottage Farms through QVC. According to the tracking they were shipped on the 26th I've yet to receive them I have a feeling when they arrive they too will be dead. I advise anyone reading this to never order anything from Cottage Farms. I had forgotten that a few years ago I ordered six hydrangeas all which arrive dead or dying.


On May 2nd, 2016, DLMenzel added the following:

The second set of tomato plants arrived today they were package the same way but happy to say these survived. The two plants that arrived today are large well-developed, one of them even has flowers already. The two tomato plants that arrived last week were no more than 3 inches high with only a few leaves. Why wasn't I offered replacement plants, healthy replacement plants for the two that arrived dead? When I ordered them I purchased a large pots with the idea of keeping them in the container not planting them in the ground with my other tomato plants.
On May 2, 2016, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On May 2, 2016 11:01 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

Dear DLMenzel:
We were sorry to hear that your tomatoes didn’t arrive well and appreciate the feedback as it allows us to address these issues with our carriers. According to the tracking info, the second set of tomatoes you ordered were shipped on 4/26 and were delivered to your front door on 4/28. Be sure and call us at 888-593-3644 if you experienced any issues with the second set. We want you to have a successful and positive experience with your plant purchases from QVC and Cottage Farms Direct, and appreciate the opportunity to resolve any issues quickly.
"


Negative onegoodman1955
(20 reviews)
On Jun 10, 2015, onegoodman1955 Normal, IL wrote:

I knew better. In February, 10 degrees above zero, watching QVC and anxious for spring, I ordered a 6 poppy collection. The poppies arrived last week (first week of June). Communication was good. Packaging was appropriate. Plants not so good, well 1 of the 6 is recovering. 2 were more fungus than plant, other 4 were a mix of fungus, wilted leaves, and leaves falling off. Last night I threw 5 in the trash. I'm guessing that the period of transit in a hot vehicle baked the plants.


On Jun 10, 2015, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Jun 11, 2015 9:46 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

onegoodman1955:

We are sorry to hear your poppies didn't arrive well, however Cottage Farms did not offer a 6pc poppy collection this year on QVC. We advise you to reach out to QVC to help for a quick resolution. "


Negative jt1983
(1 review)
On Jun 10, 2015, jt1983 Frostburg, MD wrote:

I purchased a dogwood tree from Cottage Farms. When I received it the box was beat up. When I pulled out the tree there was one limb broke and the leaves were brown. I called and they said tape the limb and plant the tree. So I did. I ended up pulling it 2 days later because the leaves were falling off. They said they would send another. I received another tree well once again the box was beat up. I got the tree out of the box and it was in worse shape than the first one. I was told they will not be able to send another till 2016. I asked for a refund and said how disappointed I was. Still have yet to get a refund and both trees are at the landfill. If anyone is considering purchasing g they should look somewhere else


On Jun 10, 2015, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Jun 10, 2015 12:47 PM, Cottage Farms responded with:

We apologize that you received two dogwood trees that were not up to our quality standards. We can assure you that they were not shipped in this condition. Unfortunately, it looks like the tree delivered to you today was in transit for longer than we would have expected. Also, be assured you that the request you submitted to us today is in the review process and will be resolved quickly. We understand your disappointment, as we are consumers as well and want your experience with us to be a positive one and appreciate the opportunity to resolve any issues you may have experienced. "


Negative Dissapointment
(1 review)
On Jun 1, 2015, Dissapointment Stillwater, MN wrote:

QVC should drop Cottage Farms. The deplorable condition of the boxes was one thing, but the plants were even worse. Leaves dropping all over, and the tomato plant so bone dry and wilted I have no idea if it will recover if I plant it. I will NEVER do this again and stick to my local nursery! Minnesota growing season is short enough so reordering, I won't even try. Not going through this again. Shame on all of you!


On Jun 1, 2015, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Jun 2, 2015 7:31 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

We apologize that you received a shipment that was not up to our quality standards. I can assure you that they were not shipped in this condition, and if you had shipping damage, as indicated by your description, we would really like to know. We want all of our customers to enjoy their experience with Cottage Farms and would like the opportunity to resolve the issue you experienced. Please
contact us at 1-888-593-3644 so that we can find a resolution that works best for you.
"


Negative Chuchowie
(1 review)
On Mar 13, 2015, Chuchowie Houma, LA wrote:

March 13, 2015 - Ordered three piece re-blooming hydrangeas from QVC they arrived a complete mess, small, and absolutely terrible looking. Several of the leaves had been eaten on by bugs or something. These plants looked like they would belong on a 75 % off sale rack at Lowe's because no one would have purchased these half eaten plants. Fool me once shame on you........Now I know




On Mar 13, 2015, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Apr 10, 2015 12:45 PM, Cottage Farms responded with:

Dear Chuchowie:
At Cottage Farms Direct we pride ourselves on our plants, trees and bulbs. Being consumers ourselves, we understand the value of every dollar you spend on our plants. When you place orders with us through our website or through QVC, you are showing us that you have confidence in us and our products. Every plant shipped is double-checked at two different locations by two different people prior to boxing to insure top quality, so something must have happened to your plants in shipment. However, it saddens us that you had anything less than a great experience.
We would really appreciate the opportunity to exceed your expectations. If you would contact our customer service department (888-593-3644) and ask for Anita, we’ll do our very best to make sure you receive a replacement set of hydrangeas to plant right away!
"


Negative Rama31
(1 review)
On Feb 8, 2015, Rama31 Santa Rosa, CA wrote:

The QVC ads for Cottage Farms plants are a bunch of overinflated hype, and host Phillip is a liar. I have been a gardener, landscaper and nurseryman for over 25 years, and when I see their tv commercials, I just shake my head in disbelief. They use artificial flowers on their commercials that are a false representation of what the actual plant really is, not only that, they also use artificial flowers that aren't even the plant they are trying to sell! (Penstemon for example) In addition, the culture and care information they give about their plants is wildly exaggerated and most of it is inaccurate, and of course, everything they sell is super fragrant, incredibly beautiful, one of a kind, nothing but blooms, and your neighbors won't have it. Come on, why don't you just sell the artificial plants you use on your commercials so the people you dupe aren't disappointed when their plants arrive.
Don't fall for their lies, buy your plants in person at your local nursery and get to know your local nurserymen, and if you must buy plants by mail, there are more reliable sources.

Negative FirstTimePA
(4 reviews)
On May 4, 2014, FirstTimePA Milford, PA wrote:

Posted on June 8, 2012, updated May 4, 2014
Posted on June 4, 2012, updated June 8, 2012
I ordered minature roses. The presentation made me believe I was going to get six beautiful plants. They sent the roses out too early and they were dead. They replaced them with dried out sticks. You might be wondering why I gave them a neutral rating because customer service has improved greatly and I really believe they tried.

They were not happy to hear people where joking about the sticks I planted and they wanted to know where I bought them.


On June 8th, 2012, FirstTimePA changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:

I am changing my rating to Positive. This company did everything they could to send me a product that was alive. Customer service was great. The plants are tiny but ALIVE!

This company proved to me it stands behind the product!
On May 4th, 2014, FirstTimePA changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

I tried this company one more time. I bought everblooming daylilies and three out of six bloomed, once not the whole summer as stated on QVC. I asked them to replace them with Dianthus. The Dianthus arrived dead. The company said that they sat in a UPS hub. Plants that are healthy should not die in a week! This is not the only problem last year I order sunpatiens, they were not only dead but soaking wet. I feel very cheated by this company and what you see on TV is not what I received!
Negative squirley
(2 reviews)
On Mar 11, 2014, squirley Southeast, NC wrote:

Sister ordered Tropical Hibiscus tree March 29th,213. She put it in our sunroom over the winter in sunlight. The tree is completely dead. Brown under bark. No green anywhere. Ordered thru QVC. She had me to contact Cottage Farms. Customer service said that the tree was only guaranteed for 90 days and they would not replace it. Said it was past the 90 day period. The cost total was $47.73. Phillip did not say it was only guaranteed for 90 days. That's ridiculous for such an expensive tree. Phillip said if we are not happy then they are not happy. I want trust them in the future.

Negative pinkelephants
(1 review)
On Sep 1, 2013, pinkelephants Mission Bend, TX wrote:

Posted on June 21, 2013, updated September 1, 2013
Sorry for the length of this story, but the sequence of events demands it. Never order the Blue Bird Rose of Sharon tree that you see Phillip raving about on QVC. I have ordered this plant over the past five years and have yet to receive even one blue tree. They send pinks and lavenders galore, but no blues. Cottage Farms convinced me in 2012 that four blue replacement trees would be forthcoming if I waited until the next season. In the following year (now) and after waiting months for the four blue trees to bloom, GUESS WHAT? They had sent FOUR LAVENDER ALTHEAS (I left the Blue Bird labels on the trees just for kicks!). When I reported this to Cottage Farms, they implored me to wait another year for the real blue replacements. I declined this offer and requested them to send the trees now so that I would not have to wait another year just to discover that the order was still wrong. YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS! They sent me just one tree instead of four. I won't know for a month if it's blue or not. I thought I was being "punked." This had to be a joke! So silly me, I called them back just to be told to wait YET ANOTHER YEAR for the remaining three blue replacements. Really?! I was sitting on my couch laughing hysterically about the total disregard of this customer and still believing that I was being "punked", when I received a call from customer service at CF with the rep. saying that she had spoken with her supervisor. And because of all of the mishaps (which I call incompetence and disregard), Cottage Farms had reconsidered and would send the three blue replacements THIS YEAR! Imagine that! I was overjoyed, to say the least, and relieved that I would not have to write a scathing review of CF based on my horrible but true experiences. They were sending the 3 trees that day! After waiting for more than a week, I called CF back to get a tracking number since the trees had not arrived as promised. YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS--the CF rep. that had spoken with her supervisor had "checked the wrong box" and had actually scheduled the replacement trees for 2014 instead of now, according to the present CF rep. This person apologized and said that I would be receiving the blue trees in about a week. SO LET'S TAKE BETS! Will Cottage Farms finally send the 3 Blue Bird Rose of Sharons next week? Will the one tree that's already planted TURN OUT TO BE BLUE? Tune in for the latest update on this Cottage Farms Blue Bird fiasco. I'll be posting.













On September 1st, 2013, pinkelephants added the following:

Mystery solved. Finally I received all four trees. After three months of waiting for the alleged Bluebird Rose of Sharon hibiscus trees to bloom, three of them produced puny lavender blooms and one didn't bloom at all! Absolutely true. It's painfully obvious to me that Cottage Farms is advertising that beautiful blue tree without actually growing it. Since I have ordered it repeatedly all of these years and listened to their endless excuses about why it's never arrived, that's the logical conclusion. Adios, Cottage Farms.
Negative watchdogal
(7 reviews)
On May 18, 2013, watchdogal East Hartford, CT wrote:

Most of the time if you purchase an item and it arrived DOA they will replace it with some other item (they claim is similar) . You never get a replacement for what you ordered. Last year I bought a 2-pack of Crape Myrtles Trees(Velma's Royal) off QVC and they sent 2 completely different plants...when I notified them after they started growing it was obvious one was a bush and another a possible tree. I sent them pictures of the two and they didn't even know what they were but promised to replace them the following year as it was too late (summer just started) to send the replacements now. So here it is 2013 and they send out 2 bushes of another type Crape Myrle.....not even close to the trees I ordered......this happens most of the time with replacements....I've had it with them and don't believe what PHIL tells you on QVC about wanting to make you happy with your order....you never know what you paid for! This also happened with the Pink Grasses and a day-lily collection 2 years before......always getting what you didn't ask for...or pay for..

Negative rosepetal2
(11 reviews)
On May 15, 2013, rosepetal2 Danvers, MA wrote:

Posted on May 14, 2013, updated May 15, 2013
I've been an avid QVC customer for years and do enjoy the convenience and quality of products I've ordered from them. After watching Cottage Farms for several years, I finally decided to order a number of items $400 worth this 2013 spring. Quality from Cottage Farms is a crap shoot. It depends when your order is processed and shipped. I live Z6 so my shipments are in the middle of their entire orders. For items received promptly, the quality was great and I was pleased. However, the later into the season they get, the quality wanes substantially to the point that starters, plugs and liners seem to replace the plant ordered. IMHO I believe Cottage Farms is greedy and does not turn down a sale. Even if that means sending a 1-1/2" plug and calling it 4" pot. Bare root trees and roses are also iffy...they actually sent me a bare root rose with a 3" dia stem, 6" bud union and two 1-1-1/2" canes. The rose was likely 5-6 years old. Problem was the roots some as large as 3/4" dia were all cut within 6" from the crown. Who do they actually think they are fooling? I've had good luck with their daylilies, but again a search of the internet and you'll find more mature roots at either same or lower price. As far as their hydrangeas are concerned...liners I bought from a grower were more mature than the cuttings I received. Imaging a big leaf with near normal size bloom on a 6" cutting with frail immature roots. Hardly could I expect them to survive. Replacements? Yes, courteous replacements. Problem here is they ship replacements AT THE END of their sales season and you end up with immature or leftover plants. It got to the point that the cost of outrageously small plants was unacceptable and QVC refunded $180 on my complaints. Bottom line...never again.


On May 15th, 2013, rosepetal2 added the following:

JonathanCFD
Mobile, AL

Tue, May 14, 2013
12:12 PM
Hi rosepetal2,

I'm sorry to see you had problems with your purchases from Cottage Farms. Please contact our customer service department (888-593-3644) and we'll do our best to make sure you receive plants that are up to your standards.

Thanks!

Jonathan
rosepetal2
Danvers, MA

Wed, May 15, 2013
02:24 PM
Hi Jonathan I appreciate your attempt to resolve any of my issues. But several of the problems continued even with replacements. I have wasted time, energy and the use of my money to purchase your plants, especially near the end of the ship season. It is inexcusable that you send 1-1/2" plugs, liners or starters for plants advertised as more mature. I purchased my entire landscape over the past couple of years online from growers and not one tried to pass of such skimpy sprigs as living plants. In fact I just received replacements for fire and ice hydrangea for 2012 purchase that did not make the winter. Those replacements had NO BRANCHING, the main stem was 1/4" diameter with a near full size leaf. Are you telling me that's not a cutting that had been rooted for several weeks? this year I also purchased Russian sage and lavender from you via QVC. The lavender had been drenched prior to shipment and the poor little sprigs arrived DOA. the Russian sage were barely 1-1/2" high and when transplanting it was obvious they were 1-1/2 plugs placed in a 4" sq pot. I cannot afford to continue to do business with you - even for replacements. I do not have a greenhouse nor do I care to cultivate immature plants. Like I said in my review, its a crap shoot to do business with you folks. Some of my plants were fantastic some were embarrassing. I really don't want to waste any further growing season with such inconsistent quality. In spring 2012 I purchased two fire and ice hydrangeas and four twist and shout hydrangeas. All six were frail plants that I nursed in containers for the summer and transplanted in September. I composted and mulched them like all other hydrangeas, roses and clematis. Only your plants were the worst to pull through. My observation is that they were very immature plants when received in May 2012. The size of the surviving four twist and shout hydrangeas this year are what I would have expected LAST YEAR. I run a Garden Services business and am a knowledgeable gardener. My observations of your stock are accurate. This late in the season any replacements from you would likely be fresh starts. Sorry, no thank you.
Negative BenjaminBunny
(2 reviews)
On Jan 22, 2013, BenjaminBunny Allentown, PA wrote:

I bought several items from Cottage Farms through QVC - petunias, flower garden combinations, Red Hydrangeas, and double minipetunias. Most of the flowers came squashed and brown. I worked at a greenhouse for a couple years when younger. There is no way they are telling me those plants were sent healthy. I called QVC to complain, and they fully refunded me. The petunias were never denim and coral as stated. They were just regular purple and red and could have been bought at the local greenhouse. The red hydrangeas hardly grew and never bloomed. The flower garden combinations were the worst with just one flower growing out of the garden. The minipetunias came around the best. I will never buy from Cottage Farms again. I will watch them on QVC to see what is new for the season and then look for it from someone else who is reliable.

Negative hardyinokc
(27 reviews)
On Apr 2, 2012, hardyinokc Oklahoma City, OK wrote:

Posted on July 20, 2011, updated April 2, 2012
Spring 2011 I ordered a re-blooming daylily collection via QVC (paid between $40 & $50 including shipping). The plants are alive, but the ones that have bloomed thus far are NOT the same colors that were shown on QVC. If you are wanting daylilies, do NOT order them from Cottage Farms; from now on I'll order all my daylilies from Oakes Daylilies (they send the CORRECT plants that are about 3 times the size of the ones from Cottage Farms for comparable prices).


On April 2nd, 2012, hardyinokc added the following:

After posting my previous posting, Cottage Farms did send replacement daylilies, which arrived last week. They were OK size-wise & seemed healthy (for the most part), but some of the daylilies in the box did not match up with the plants listed on the invoice. I appreciate them sending replacement plants, but it would sure be nice to receive the plants that were actually ordered.
Negative catsumrs
(2 reviews)
On Aug 20, 2011, catsumrs Meriden, CT wrote:

When I first ordered from this company I started with 4 trees, weeping cherries and they weren't cheap.
2 were dried upsticks and the other 2, the tops were broken off, which is the important part of this tree.
I didn't bother to phone and ask for replacements, I figured it would just be more of the same. When you have live plants roaming the USA in a box for 7 days or more, I'm not surprised they are dead.
This year I ordered the bulbs called 4'Oclocks,,,, I got 2 sets and I think it was something like 10 bulbs in a set. I put them all above my stonewall in front of the house and I must say, BEAUTIFUL! I have so many I transplanted some to the window boxes as well...
I think bulbs are a safer way to go with this company..

Negative jojopal
(1 review)
On May 15, 2011, jojopal Branford, CT wrote:

Hydrangea Sub-Zero Garden Party is what I ordered from QVC. I was to receive 3 healthy plants. What I got was 2 small plants that were nothing like the ones they showed on QVC and 1 dead plant. QVC/Cottage Farms did send me 1 replacement plant but that too was dead upon arrival. What a disappointment. Luckily for me, QVC gave me a full refund.

Pink Grass is what my aunt ordered from QVC. She gave one plant to me and it looks brown and dead. I planted it, but it still looks brown and dead. Again a big disappointment.
Next time I will purchase items like this from my local nursery.

Negative Gotrobbed
(1 review)
On Apr 20, 2011, Gotrobbed Houston, TX wrote:

I implore you not to deal with this company! I bought the climbing rose trio through QVC. They show you during their dynamic presentation, 3 robust, fully rooted small plants that you can expect to receive from them. I was horrified to find 3 dead, wilted twigs beyond return. A stick in dirt. I called Cottage Farms and they replaced them with 3 limp sticks in dirt, again dead as doornails. I called QVC for a refund. By the way, I did call to see when then the replacements were to arrive, and the employee at Cottage Farms was extremely rude. The presentation on QVC is totally bogus as far as merchandise and professional attitude!


On Apr 20, 2011, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On Apr 21, 2011 7:48 AM, Cottage Farms responded with:

We apologize that you received two shipments that were not up to our quality standards. I can assure you that they were not shipped in this condition. Also, I want to let you know that we want all of our customers to enjoy their experience with Cottage Farms and our Customer Service team and will follow up with the CSR with whom you spoke. A manager will be glad to speak with you in hopes of improving your experience so please contact us at 1-888-593-3644 or email us directly. Again, accept our apology for your unpleasant experience."


Negative Diane6191950
(1 review)
On May 14, 2010, Diane6191950 Bristol, PA wrote:

Posted on May 3, 2010, updated May 14, 2010
I placed an order last night on their website for the mint julep rose which was still working the other night.Today when I went to check the order status I could not reach their website as they appear to be no longer in business.I also tried calling their phone number but it has been disconnected.It appears to me that theyhave gone out of business with no way to reach them.


On May 14th, 2010, Diane6191950 added the following:

I finally recieved my order but of couse they messed it up.I ordered 2 mint julep roses but instead recieved 1 mint julep and 1 curly pink rose.I did not want a substitution on my order.I want specifically what I ordered.They still owe me my other mint julep rose.
On May 14, 2010, Cottage Farms responded with:

"On May 3, 2010 1:46 PM, Cottage Farms responded with:

As a representative of Cottage Farms, I can assure you that we are open for business as usual. Our toll-free number is 1-888-593-3644 and our website is http://www.cottagefarmsdirect.com. To my knowledge, our website did not experience downtime yesterday; however, there may be short periods of time the site may be down when routine maintenance is being performed. Please be sure and contact us at our toll-free number or at our website with any questions or concerns you may have."


Negative crash69
(1 review)
On Apr 23, 2010, crash69 Buffalo, NY (Zone 5a) wrote:

Three years ago I purchased what was supposed to be a magnolia tree. I paid about 35 plus shipping for a stick that was supposed to grow into a tree in 3 to 5 years. Well it looks like a 3+ foot bush & every spring it flowers. But all the flowers get brown spots before they fully open.I wanted a tree but got a disappointing bush. I won't order from there again

Negative acddemilner
(3 reviews)
On Apr 21, 2010, acddemilner South Bend, IN wrote:

I ordered Hardy Hibiscus in April 2009 but they did not bloom. They were replaced in late Summer and I was told to "be patient", they would return in 2010. They are as dead now as they were last year and now because it is beyond one year from the original order, they write: We do offer a one-time, one-year (from date of original shipment) plant warranty. Unfortunately, your order has already been replaced and we will not be able to send you another replacement.

I think I was sent tropical Hibiscus and of course they will not grow here in Zone 5.

Negative davisnfig
(1 review)
On May 5, 2009, davisnfig Tacoma, WA wrote:

Over the years I have order pre-seeded mats. A Jasmine plant, strawberry plants and herbs. I have NEVER got anything to grow or even live from cottage farms. Check around Cottage farms does not have a good approval rating and there is a reason!

Negative marie_kap
(6 reviews)
On Apr 11, 2009, marie_kap Williamstown, NJ (Zone 6b) wrote:

I got my order today. I must say I am very disappointed in the size of the plants considering the price I payed. I got 3 carpet rose's and each was about 3 inches tall. The cost was $39.99. At that price I was expecting a plant at least 6-8 inches tall not 3 inches. The gaillardia was 14.99 for 3 plants that I guess was not bad, they were too 3 inches tall. The Lantana tree is a good size but had some broken branches.The daylily's had some good roots, so they were nice. I was mostly disappointed in the rose's. I feel that they were too small for the price. This is my last time of ordering from them.


On April 27th, 2009, marie_kap changed the rating from neutral to negative and added the following:

I am changing my comment to negative. The plants are so small that they are struggling to survive. The patio lantana died soon after planting. It looked almost dead when I got it. The roses are so small that it will take many years to grow to any kind of bush. They are over priced and have bad plants. Their responce to my complaint was that small plants recover faster. Not a good answer when I have bought and recived other larger plants that have done very well. I am asking for a refund and not a replacement. I can get many plants from my local garden center for that $120.00.
Do not buy from this site.
Negative rhettdog
(7 reviews)
On Mar 29, 2009, rhettdog Jefferson, GA wrote:

I ordered 5 Garden Hibiscus plants from CF through QVC and one was broken upon arrival. I called QVC customer service and explained the problem. A replacement is on the way. It took all of 3 minutes, no questions asked. I will follow-up later w/ how they are growing!!


On May 2nd, 2009, rhettdog changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

A follow-up on the Garden Hibiscus plants. Sorry to say...all five, plus the replacement...died. You would think one of the 6 would have made it past a month. Thankfully, I was refunded the entire amount I paid.
Negative Chezca
(4 reviews)
On Sep 10, 2008, Chezca Hayward (Z8b-9a), CA (Zone 8b) wrote:

So far, I'm happy with Cottage Farms... Eventhough ALL of the 50-piece strawberries died (oh I got ONE strawberry fruit at least!). They did, however refunded my money back which was cool. And the heirloom tomatoes- some lived but the tomatoes were the size of big GRAPES so I was very disappointed and I told them. Again, they promise to replace them next season which is awesome. Now on to the asiatic lilies, one word: A-FREAKIN-MAZING! :) I've NEVER gardened before, ever! When I got the lilies in April08, I had to put them in those blue plastic party cups just because I had nowhere to plant them and plus we were moving in a couple of months. They started sprouting in a week and by the time we're moved in, I transplanted them in our new backyard and voila! They shot up to almost 30" and started flowering in mid-June and every morning was a surprise! Especially when the huge white lilies started unfolding! We took pictures of our "babies" just to show off :) (even my husband got into gardening because of these wonderful plants). But alas, they have started to yellow from the bottom leaves up. I guess they're getting ready for dormancy? I also got the sub-zero roses and those have bloomed and re-bloomed like crazy. My hubby thought I was crazy buying these "sticks" until they started to leaf and bloom :). One plant I'm very wary of are their hydrangeas- they're VERY weak and annoying to grow (brittling leaves and almost no growth). I just ordered their black, yellow, pink, and white tulips for this fall planting season and I can't wait to work on those. Also ordered lily-of-the-valley and that one's a scratcher because we just got a puppy and it's supposed to be poisonous (the lily not the puppy:))? Anyway, just thought I'd put my 2 cents in. Not every plant is going to perform the way they show them on tv, as long as they make good on their refund/replacement and have wonderful customer service- there's nothing that can't be fixed, right? Compromise people and happy gardening! :)


On July 8th, 2009, Chezca changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

I am now changing it to negative. Mainly because QUITE A NUMBER of the plants I ordered did not grow true to form. My oranges and lemons grew to be just a plain yellow daisy. The shasta daisies are riddled with "fascination", the calla lilies aren't blooming AT ALL this year (very stunted growth), and the only thing doing ok are my asiatic/oriental lilies. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH COTTAGE FARMS.

As for the replacements, they were the wrong plants on two instances.
On July 8th, 2009, Chezca added the following:

I have now switched to Bluestone Perennials, High Country Gardens, and Annie's. So far so good but have not ordered anything from Annie's because I'm planning on going to their nursery myself.
Negative paulnelissa
(2 reviews)
On Jun 14, 2008, paulnelissa Cincinnati, OH wrote:

My husband and I wanted a weeping pussy willow tree for our yard. We found that both Spring Hill Nursery and Cottage Farm Direct (not through QVC). The tree was half the price at Cottage Farm, so we ordered it. My credit card is charged immediately. The website stated that they needed 14 days to process the order.
I waited and waited and waited. Finally, when the 14 days has passed, I email the customer service department. Two days later, I get an email saying that my order is currently being packed and will ship in 2 days.
Two days later, I get another email saying that the items I ordered are no longer in stock. I call the customer service department.
I tell the woman what happened. She expresses disbelief and places me on hold. Then, she comes back on the line and says that this really happened. They'll refund my credit card. I ask her if I can file a complaint. She says she doesn't think so. I hang up.
I decide I need to speak with a supervisor. I call back and am placed on hold for 20 minutes. While I am on hold, the supervisor calls me. I explain again what happened. He pulls up my account and says, "Yep. We oversold the product. We waited too long to fill your order and then ran out. This happens all the time. Sorry."
I tell him that this is really unacceptable. He says, "Well, we'll refund your credit card. So, do you need anything else?"
I tell him I will never order from them again.

I wouldn't be so mad if I could order this plant elsewhere. But, everywhere else is out of stock. I know this because all of their websites say this. They don't let you order something that can't send you.

Negative skippy2000
(1 review)
On Jun 9, 2008, skippy2000 Valentine, NE wrote:

I preodered two rose of sharon trees from cottage farms on QVC. The plants did fine last year. This spring they have not done anything so I assume they have died. I gave them alot of time since in Nebraska hibiscus are slow to come up. Usually not until June. My other hibiscus are just now starting to come up. I let them know that the plants did not come up. And they informed me that since I recieved them the first of May last year and did contact them unil June they would not replace 70.00 worth of plants. Now it has been cool here this spring and nothing came up as early as usual. And there is no way these plants would have been up the first of May even in a normal year. I will not buy from them again.

Negative ks8angel
(1 review)
On Jun 8, 2008, ks8angel Buffalo, NY wrote:

I ordered a number of plants from Cottage Farms through QVC. The amazing thing is that I had bad luck with most of the plants ordered. I ordered the 30-pc assorted strawberries with 5-tier planter; Ornamental Fringe Tree; 3 Piece Pastel sub-zero rose collection; Emeral Rose Set; 2 Piece Primrose & Sensation Lilacs; and 8 Piece Chef's Choice Heirloom Tomatoes. I also orders some of their fertilizer paks. I followed all their planting directions to the tee. The tree I planted outside and mulched really good since we were still getting some frost. However, the tree is showing no signs of active growth at all, it looks like a stick was just stuck in the ground. The strawberries I planted in the tier pots and place in a window that gets sun all day and kept them watered and fed and kept turning them pots as directed. Once I thought it was safe I placed them on my patio and if there was a threat of frost, covered them with heavy clear plastice to protect them. However, out of all the strawberry plants received in the shipment, only one is even showing any type of growth and that only as 3 leaves on it currently so I don't think that will even produce. The tomatoes I planted in pots and placed in the same sunny window and kept them watered and fed until the ground was warm enough to plant them. However, out of 8 plants received only 6 are still alive, but are not really growing at all. I have plants that I started from seed that are doing better than these plants and that are already stating to flower and produce. The roses and lilacs I also planted in large pots and kept in a sunny warm place, watered and fed until it was safe to plant in the ground. The Pastel Sub-Zero Rose collection has a few new shoots on it but not really actively growing, so I still have hope for them. The Emerald Rose set, has no active growth at all. The lilacs are still alive, but not really showing any new growth, but again I still have hope for them. I've purchased other on-line plants and never had any problems, so I thought I was safe with Cottage Farms. I have a very green thumb and my neighbors love my yard. I had pulled out a number of bushes that were distroyed by a winter storm we got and I was going to replace them with these plants. I have complained to QVC and haven't yet gotten any response, but I'm hoping they will replace the plants. At this moment in time though, I wouldn't puchase any more plants from Cottage Farms.

Negative Gizinator
(1 review)
On Apr 8, 2008, Gizinator Albany, NY wrote:

I too have had a negative experience with Cottage Farms
and am glad to be given an opportunity to let people know
to be careful about them. I ordered 3 hydrangeas through
QVC. They arrived on time but they had been placed into
a large box with no bracing or protection at all. They were
badly beat up from having been thrown around the box
during shipping. Also, they were quite sickly and full of bugs.
I tried to nurse them along for a couple of weeks but it
was a lost cause. I won't buy anything else from them.

Negative shovelit
(2 reviews)
On Apr 7, 2008, shovelit Buford, GA wrote:

I recently ordered the Strawberry kit (5 level carousel) thru QVC and am totally satisfied. I've raised strawberries in pots for years and wanted to try some new stock. This was my first online live plant order ever (I'm fully retired now) and I was a bit nervous about plant quality. I carefully laid out the dormant plants and the count was exactly 30,which is two to each plant area on the carousel. While a couple were a bit small, they are all alive and thriving on my screened-in sun-porch. We have had some cooler weather but the growth rate seems to be unaffected. All plants have robust new leaves now (18 days after receipt). Will I reorder from this supplier???? Yes.


On May 11th, 2008, shovelit changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:

Right after I wrote the original review, the plants started dying at the rate of two or three a day. I called Cottage Farms and they sent 16 more plants - 8 Ooh-la-la's and 8 Sweet desire. All but 3 of those were DOA. Then we contacted QVC who sent out an entire new kit. These 30 plants actually had some life-sign out of the package and once again have all come out of dormancy and are showing greenery. I gave the "potting" mix that came to a neighbor I don't like and put these plants in a different medium. It's called "Jungle Growth Professional Mix". It's made in Statham, Georgia and beats Miracle Grow. Cottage Farms is entirely too much hassle. I will not order again.
Negative allroses1
(1 review)
On Aug 21, 2007, allroses1 Chico, CA wrote:

I ordered from them and received two dead trees and six dead grasses on arrival, they replaced them twice with more dead trees and more dead grasses, never offered to replace with other items that wouldn't pass away during the shipment that takes 6 days. I would never buy from them again and warn all whom do order, unless you like sticks, twigs and dry dead weeds on arrival. very poor service.

Negative Dscalf
(1 review)
On May 24, 2007, Dscalf Port Neches, TX wrote:

I ordered Hot Chocolate Dahlias and Friquolet dahlias from Cottage farms this year. Only one out of six of the Hot Chocolates sprouted -- but it was another dahlia variety. I emailed my complaint and replacements are on the way. However, all six of the Friquolet sprouted, but now that they are blooming, they are not the blooms pictured on their site. I called customer service and offered to send photos of the flowers so they could see that they were not what I ordered, but the service rep said you can't rely on the site photos. I asked her how you were supposed to order specific color and style flowers if you couldn't trust the website. She grudgingly offered to send replacements, but I haven't heard any thing from them yet. I wasn't trying to get "free" plants, I just wanted what I originally ordered for my garden.


On June 4th, 2007, Dscalf added the following:

I received replacements for the some of the above order. However they were out of the Hot Chocolate dahlias and offered no replacement for those. The replacement bag contained some extremely dried out tubers with no visible eyes and a tag that indicated they were the Friquolet dahlias. I have planted these but am not optimistic about results. I received a dahlia order from another dahlia farm on the same day and the difference in quality was huge. I won't be ordering dahlias from Cottage farms again.
Negative fun2garden
(5 reviews)
On May 9, 2007, fun2garden Jefferson City, MO wrote:

I will NEVER order again from Cottage Farms and QVC! Both have displayed disrespect to me when I complained about my 7 orders this spring. QVC first screwed up the orders (sent dead plants, empty box, etc...). Then they told me to contact Cottage Farms - who refused to replace the dead plants and send the missing plants. I reminded them of Philip Watson's statement "We aren't happy if you aren't happy.." but they still refused to correct the problem. I paid in full for all items, and now have lost $400. I've found that SpringHIll Nurseries surpasses Cottage Farms in HONESTY, PRICING and RESPECT!! PLEASE BEWARE OF QVC AND COTTAGE FARMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


On May 11th, 2007, fun2garden added the following:

LIARS! Please ignore the "kind" message from the company. I have printed a copy of my QVC orders which shows credit card payments, and have contacted my bank regarding transactions from QVC, so obviously Cottage Farms and QVC don't know what they're talking about. I received a call today directly from Cottage Farms (possibly the representative who wrote the comment),but he refused to solve the problem with the orders. I even offered to fax a copy of my evidence (although I wasn't wild about sharing bank account info with those who've already mistreated me..),but the fella said he didn't need it. I am FURIOUS with Cottage Farms' disrespectful attitude and QVC's lack of concern about the issue. Neither company cares about customers...they are only out for your money. So beware gardeners, don't get caught up in the evil web of Cottage Farms!
On May 14th, 2007, fun2garden added the following:

As if I haven't told you enough.......here's another report! Last year I ordered a set of 3 sub-zero roses. They were very pretty, but did not grow very tall. They did not return this spring, so I contacted Cottage Farms. They sent a replacement set. Guess what?? The replacement plants were dead upon arrival. Gee, that makes sense - replace a dead plant with another dead plant. Who's running the company??? I give up! Cottage Farms and QVC will no longer receive orders from me!!!!!! Buyer beware!!
On May 9, 2007, Cottage Farms responded with:

"


On May 10, 2007 11:21 AM, Cottage Farms added:

Cottage Farms is more than happy to stand behind our products with our one year warranty; however, we consulted with QVC about this customer and her orders and were told that the orders she is wanting replaced were not paid for. We do want our customers to be happy and we strive to make sure we meet that challenge by showing the same respect to each question or concern that we receive. In some instances, we must consult with our trading partners to insure that all customers are treated fairly and in this case we found that this customer was asking us to send and replace plants for which she never paid QVC. "


Negative pcat
(2 reviews)
On Apr 24, 2007, pcat Berwick, PA (Zone 6a) wrote:

I ordered a 3 rose hybrid tea rose collection from cottage farms through qvc my planting time for planting roses in mid to late april. After calling numerous times i receieved my roses in May. All 3 were extremely small but i really wanted the sterling silver so i planted them anyway. The princess DeMonaco and Margaret merril never grew and sterling silver shows signs of rmv. I called cottage farms to request replacement for the 2 that did not grow and was told they would be sent out next planting season. I had to call several times the following planting season to get them to send them to me. Finally the end of May again the replacement arrived. 2 floribundas not hybrid teas like i ordered and both of them very small and both very dead.
I will never order from this company again. I would rather take my chance on a 2.00 body bag rose. I have put in formal complaints to qvc and the next time i catch philip live on qvc you can bet ill call the testimonial line and share my story live
Pat C

Negative plantrl
(1 review)
On Feb 17, 2007, plantrl Winchester, VA wrote:

I ordered numerous plants through QVC from Cottage farms in 2005. Some of the plants I received were covered with insects. I was very upset, since I had opened the package indoors. I immediately took them outside, but was nervous about the insects infesting my other plants. I planted everything I purchased immediately, but very few plants survived. I contacted QVC to get replacements, and they told me to contact Cottage farms directly. Once I contacted Cottage Farms, they said I would have to wait until the next growing season, so I did. I contacted them again in March 2006. I placed my replacement order through their website, and waited. I never received my replacement plants. I called them, and they would say that they were on their way. So, I would wait longer. I eventually received a couple of plants, but they were not what I had ordered. I was told again, that I would have to wait until the next growing season. It is now February 2007. Cottage farms no longer has their website, although they are still listed as selling through QVC. I am very dissatified with Cottage farms and QVC, as QVC could have aided in resolving this issue immediately.

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