Comments regarding Exotic Hibiscus

In May of this year (it is now November), I ordered Catherine's Dragon hibiscus online from Exotic Hibiscus. The plant arrived looking very small and completely dead.

I immediately apprised the operation of the dead plant via email along with photos and was advised to watch it for a week or two and scratch the limbs to see if they were green or brown. Green indicating that it was still alive and viable and brown indicating that it was dead.

I kept the dead plant until June 8, 2014 before the 30 day guarantee was up and had heard nothing more from Exotic Hibiscus. I then emailed them asking if I could take advantage of the 30 day guarantee that the plant was definitely dead and rather than issue a refund if they preferred it would be okay to simply send me the Hibiscus Handbook or another similarly priced plant.... I heard nothing back.

A few weeks passed and I phoned the number on the website and spoke with someone identified as "Curt" and I politely reminded him of the situation. He then assured me that he would get out a Hibiscus Handbook to me and I should have it by the end of the week...

Approximately another three weeks went by and nothing arrived. I again phone and spoke with "Curt" who informed me that he was out of the Hibiscus Handbooks but was getting another shipment in by the end of the month and would post it at that time. In the meantime the listing for the Hibiscus Handbook was on his website as available for purchase and had been this whole time.

The end of the month came and went and well you can figure the rest... NOTHING. No plant, no refund, no contact, no excuses, simply..l..NOTHING.

I honestly forgot about it until I was bringing in my hibiscus this fall to overwinter them indoors as I usually do and suddenly remembered how this guy had screwed me.

I will contact the Better Business Bureau and the Florida State's Attorney regarding this matter.

I do not recommend this seller.

"On Nov 3, 2014 11:22 AM, Exotic Hibiscus responded with:

I sent the customer a Catherine's Dragon Hibiscus and stated at the time it was the only one left and not in great shape and to let me know how it does. She sent me a picture of a live but ailing plant and ask what to do to help it. I replied with suggestions. Now U state the plant was dead on arrival? U then requested a Hibiscus Handbook instead of another plant and I said fine but I was out and would send one as soon as I get some in. I also expected them that week but they did not get here for 5 or 6 weeks and I could not remember who I was supposed to send it. Figured I would hear from the customer at any time and I could apoligize and send it out. Gee, that is the same thing that happened on their end - forgot about it for several months.
A simple reminder would have worked well but I will not be bullied with threats of letters to the BB and state Attorney Generals who I rather doubt will drop everything and send armed guards to my house for a $15 plant. No one likes to lose customers but in this case I will be happy to comply with the customers last request. They sent an E-mail about the order and the next day the threats with the comment that 24 hours was time enough for a reply. Not knowing I was out of town that day and could not reply. The customer also stated they did not want any further contact with me in any form!? Always happy to please customers, case closed.
Curt Sinclair
Exotic Hibiscus "

Bought 14 plants at the end of the summer season and they were all small plugs not quart size plants as advertised. They were infested with aphids and were sickly plants. Contacted Curt who was very rude and I would NEVER buy from this nursery. Plants were in horrible condition and failed to thrive and we spent over 200.00 on these plants when we could have bought from Lowes and received healthy LARGE plants for much less and they would have lived. Buyers beware!

"On Apr 26, 2010 8:51 AM, Exotic Hibiscus responded with:

I do not even have pots under 4.5 inches on the property which are quart size pots?! Without finding the acutal order, he could have ordered the $5 plugs which are baby rooted plants or liners and are so advertised. Baby plants and even quarts should be just kept moist and not soaked or they will get root rot or at least have problems developing. I do not remember this order but if someone calls and insists the pots are the wrong size, I may well have lost patience.
All the best,
Curt"

I purchased $80.00 in Hibiscus Plants form Exotie Hibiscus. They all where dried out but one when i got them and it made it O.K. Never again will i deal with them. Bluejean.

"

He got two quarts and was very happy with them (not mentioned here) and tried some liners. He e mailed that three did not make it but that was OK. Sent replacements anyway. I have never had any 'dried out' before so very confusing. We bend over backwards to please our customers.
Curt Sinclair, owner"