Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

love the coco pots, wish everyone used them - plants i receive from here always do well

I have ordered from Bluestone many times in the past because I loved their "3 small plants" pricing structure. I emailed them and complained to when they announced their change to the new coir pots and increased their prices. They said the plants would be significantly larger than they used to be in the 3 packs. But I ordered this spring, and they're not. Now, Bluestone is charging as much for small plants as I pay for significantly larger plants at my local nurseries. So I won't be ordering from them again unless I find something really unusual in their catalog. It's too bad -- they're reputable, nice people. But they've lost a good customer.

I have bought from Bluestone for years and my most recent order was this spring. Prices have gone up but the quality is still good and customer support excellent.

I ordered a large number of perennials from this site to begin a garden at a new house. All of them arrived in beautiful condition. The selection was excellent. I'm not sure I've seen so many varieties of capanulas anywhere else. I was so grateful that all of the plants were in grow pots and that there were NO packing peanuts. The packaging all recycled beautifully.

My excellent experience with Bluestone started with ordering process. As a new DG member, I found BP in the last 2 days of their half price spring sale (without realizing deadline). Took me 2 days to fill my cart with about 40 plants. Next day, went to edit to make sure I had right spot for each plant and found prices doubled. Not having read all the wonderful reviews, thought this was an online gimmic. However, Pat was wonderful extending prices for, what became, 2 more days to accomplish edit. The plants came within a week, large, green and beautiful (except 3 hollyhocks which, after reading reviews, I'm convinced BP will replace if necessary). Propitiously, arrival preceded 2 cooler days of drizzleing rain in our SC 7b/8a climate. Accomplished easy planting in 3 days, following directions. Now, after reading reviews, I question if coir pots should have been slashed or bottoms removed as I am sure to order again before fall.
Much thanks to Pat and advanced thanks in hopes of a reply to coir pot planting methods. Claudia T.

Posted on May 9, 2011, updated June 10, 2012
ordered 5 sets of plants. One was an out-of-stock item from the previous year. They were out of it again and sent me a credit slip. The plants I got were very small and one set looked like a rabbit had eaten the tops off.
The whole point of ordering early (and having your charge card billed at the time of the order) is to reserve the plants for the customer. I suspect it is the colder zone places get shipped last and end up with poorer stock or none.
dissapointed.

I have been ordering from Bluestone for years and years. I have a very small nursery, so sometimes I order wholesale for the nursery, and sometimes retail just for my garden. I've always been a happy customer.

Recently I ordered from their 50% off sale. Received the plants in a timely fashion. 14 plants total. 2 of them were not looking well, the rest were great as always.

I kind of hesitated to contact them, as I've always had such great service, what's a little fluke? But I did. I sent them pictures of the two plants in question. I think it's only fair nowadays, with digital cameras and the internet to send a company pictures of any plants that are questionable the day you receive them.

The next day I heard back from Bluestone. They felt the plants had not been watered properly before shipping, and that is what I felt to. They said replacements were on their way. Apologies were given.

Two days later, and here comes the replacement. In excellent condition, along with some coupons for further purchases.

I like getting plants in good shape the first time. But mistakes happen. It's how a company handles their mistakes that means all to me. They could have argued, or offered credit only, but no, they shipped new plants at their shipping expense.

You can't ask for anything better.

I've always loved Bluestone, and I still do.

I placed an order before I was sure about my planting site, and in remorse, I cancelled it. No problem. They don't charge you until the plant materials are in the pipeline and they know they have it in stock.

I then went ahead and placed four more orders, and although they did not take the initiative to combine (though they might have done so if I asked), the price of shipping was modest, not like some fancy Connecticut place I can think of.

If something wasn't in stock, I didn't get charged and handed a backorder of uncertain future date.

The stock arrived looking wonderful, without the usual styrofoam peanuts, but just simple cardboard holders, and the plants themselves are in plantable coco fiber pots.

I did receive one hosta which turned out to have a different stick than the label taped to the pot. Turned out it was alphabetically just before the one I ordered (Ice Age Trail came to me, when I ordered Independence). I called and they are sending me the right one, saying that they hadn't seen Ice Age Trail in awhile, thought they didn't have it in stock, so I must have gotten the last one which I could just keep for free.

Anyway, I am happy with everything and with the way the people in the business treated me, every step of the way. I'll definitely choose them again.

Plants and service are A+

Posted on May 6, 2012, updated June 6, 2012
Let me start by saying the number of negative comments is unfair to this company. People should not be allowed to rate them just because they are unhappy with a change to the pricing structure.

My order arrived a week ago in great condition even after sitting in a UPS warehouse for the weekend. The plants were all healthy, and they are bigger than previous orders. I planted them right away, and a week later, they are looking great. I would not hesitate to order again, and will gladly pay more now for a plant that will thrive.

Posted on September 23, 2008, updated June 2, 2012
My first order with Bluestone was for 5 shrubs and 9 groundcovers early this spring. The shrubs were small (4"-6"), but very healthy and in 4" pots. While Bluestone quite clearly states the size I guess in my poor feable brain a 4" pot is much larger. I was rather concerned that if I planted them in the ground would they make it through their first winter in my zone 5. But I don't think I'm going to have to worry at all. Those shrubs that I planted in late June have grown from 4-6" to over 3' tall each. I will definitely order from them again.

Well I ordered from Bluestone for the first time about two months ago. I originally ordered four plants and decided I wanted to add one more last minute (five days later). So I called to see if I could and they told me my order had been processed but they would be happy to add my desired plant. I was a lil nervous that my order would be incorrect or be pushed back due to my addition but I was pleasantly surprised when the order arrived less then a week later correct and packed very nicely. As it said in other reviews the plants were pretty small (but for me part of the enjoyment will be helping them to grow)... unfortunately two did not make it. So I called Bluestone to get them replaced and they were out of the one I had originally ordered till fall. So I really wanted to get it planted asap so I accepted a different kind of Clematis instead. This time the two replacement plants were not packed well and the post office obviously miss handled it cause there was no dirt in either pot and the plants arrived dead. Sooooo I called again kind of ready to give up but wanting to let them know my disappointment. Bluestones customer service is EXCEPTIONAL! Even with the let downs I will order from them based on the type of customer service they provide (polite understanding and timely) The truth is there is always a chance of mishandling especially when you are ordering a plant from across the country but Bluestone stayed true to there guarantee and made me feel they were happy to do it. Some of the other places I have ordered from made me feel like an inconvenience if I asked any questions even during my purchase. These other companies have made it even more difficult to feel confident that if there is an issue with the order that it will be handled in a customer service orientated manner. Even if the plants arrive more mature I prefer enjoying every part of my gardening experience (even purchasing)! I will definitely continue to use Bluestone and look forward to receiving the original clematis I ordered in the fall! There is no substitute for great service and feeling like a valued customer Thank You Bluestone!

Posted on June 3, 2011, updated June 2, 2012
My recent order from Bluestone arrived with all but one of what I ordered, their typical small and healthy appearing plants. (The other is out of stock and I will cancel as I don't want this plant in the fall.) I always open a box from Bluestone with trepidation, knowing that I will have to spend an hour or more dealing with packing peanuts, trying to tease them from the plants without causing damage, usually damaging at least one beyond retrieval. I have to unpack inside as outdoors the peanuts would be distributed hither and yon by the wind, and the recycling or returning is a hassle. So it is with joy that I read the reply from Bluestone's customer rep that they are changing their packing system, which has always been the worst of any of the several plant nurseries I order from.

Posted on May 30, 2009, updated June 1, 2012
Excellent Excellent Excellent!!! Two shipments of plants arrived and I could have not asked for better packing, healthier plants and service. One small shipment and one for almost $200.00 both arrived in near perfect condition, some perennials blooming, healthy roots on everything! I would recommend this company 100%.

I ordered plants using the wonderful spring sale from Bluestone. I was VERY HAPPY with the quality of the plants, but MORE IMPORTANTLY the shipping container and pots are totally recyclable. This is the best experience I have had with mail order plants! Top Marks for being a good planet citizen. (and having a swell selection of plants.)

In April 2012, I contacted Bluestone Perennials regarding 2 Brunnera plants that I had ordered from them in the Spring of 2011. Much to my dismay, the plants did not come up again in 2012. They promised to send out replacements, and they did. However, one of the replacement plants I received was quite tiny (maybe 2” tall & 2” wide, with fingernail-sized leaves). I sent them a letter, saying that if this had been the original plant I received when I first ordered, I would have been very upset. Since the tiny plant was a plant that they replaced free of charge, I didn’t feel that I could complain too much, but I wanted to make the point that I was not completely happy with my order. You can imagine my surprise when I received not one, but TWO more, BIG, BEAUTIFUL brunneras! As always, their customer service was wonderful, and I really felt that they went "above and beyond" what was required in this case. I will definitely not hesitate to order from them again.

Posted on April 21, 2012, updated May 25, 2012
Posted on April 25, 2009, updated April 21, 2012
Another year ordering from Bluestone.(this is my second year for this garden,new house)
The only negative is those darn peanuts.
Plants are small but the price is right and they thrive the first week theyre set in.
I always referr to Bluestone website for plant info even if I'm not ordering from them.
Many sites dont give usefull info about height and spacing.
Bluestone answers the phone and tries to make accomodations where ever possible. And the 50% off sale in May,? who wouldnt love-em

Posted on April 21, 2011, updated May 24, 2012
I absolutely love this company. I love the website, it is just packed with items and the specials are great. I like that there are tips for caring for the plants. The catalog is also beautiful. My plants have always arrived in good condition, and although they are small, they usually do very well. The few times the plants have not survived, I have been sent replacements without question. The customer service is excellent.

Posted on May 24, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
Posted on May 1, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
I made several orders -- all specials at very nice prices -- this spring of perennials and an ornamental grass. I included a note that I was concerned about the new pots and I asked that they not be shipped until the last of April. They responded immediately to all my emails and assured me that the plants would be lovely. They were shipped April 30th as requested, arrived the next morning. All were in beautiful shape; the pots were not dried out, soil was moist, plants were all green. They were packed very carefully and no peanuts or newspaper or anything to unwrap. I'm very happy with them. I like the size of the plants as they are easier for me to plant than the larger sized ones. I hope to plant them later this week and will report back. I do intend to purchase more, especially when they have specials that I'm looking for.

Posted on May 2, 2012, updated May 24, 2012
I decided to give Bluestone a try after hearing that they had good quality plants. I was not able to afford their regularly priced plants, but I did find several on special that worked for my garden that I could not find locally.

My plants arrived exactly on time for my zone. The packing was beautiful and no leaves were crushed or damaged. The soil was appropriately moist without being soggy (good, as I have had trouble with other companies about this due to distance travelled, etc).

About the coconut pots. Bluestone's pots are very nice, and there are roots showing through, so I feel that's a very positive sign. I do think that coconut dries out more quickly than peat, so I made sure to keep on top of the watering until I could get my plants in their new homes.

Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. I still wouldn't be able to afford the full sized plants, but perhaps I'll find more on sale.

I was surprised that 3 packs were no longer available-but that didn't stop me from placing 2 orders with Bluestone Perennials this year. I've been ordering from them for about 5 years. I'm very happy with the plants I received in the past and I am still happy with the plants I received this year. The plants are in very good shape. I've never had a plant from Bluestone fail in my garden. I will keep ordering plants from Bluestone-until I no longer have any garden space left :o))

I was surprised that I did like the coco pots...it does make it
a little more difficult to keep the plants watered for any length of time before planting, but in my case I was able to plant quickly. I removed the coco pot before planting...probably a no, no, but I just hate peat pots, all those pots in general.
All of my plants and I had a large order are doing well. I don't think I've ever lost a plant and I've been a customer for many years even before I moved from PA. Their customer service is unbelievable...real people with answers...unheard of these days.

Posted on March 10, 2012, updated May 18, 2012
Posted on September 23, 2011, updated March 10, 2012
Posted on August 8, 2011, updated September 23, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated August 8, 2011
Posted on June 4, 2011, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on September 24, 2010, updated June 4, 2011
Posted on April 13, 2010, updated September 24, 2010
Posted on June 15, 2003, updated April 13, 2010
I placed my first order with Bluestone this year, and am very pleased. Their small perennials are already almost as big as the ones I bought in the local garden center this spring. And, though I was skeptical about the shrubs, they surprised me. I planted the three tiny shrubs - a weigelia, butterfly bush, and white forsythia - in big pots to let them grow a bit before planting them out this fall. Already, they're turning into nice-sized shrubs, and the weigela actually bloomed this spring. After some miserable experiences with some other (reputable) mail order companies lately, it's nice to find a company that does it right the first time

I've ordered from Bluestone multiple times in the past few years, and I intend to keep ordering from them. Sure, I've had a few plants that weren't as well-rooted as others, I've had some "clearance sale" plants that looked a little scraggly, and I've even had a few plants that didn't end up making it. But, that can also be said about plants I've bought from other high quality online sellers, Lowe's, and local nurseries. The vast majority of my plants have done very well. Their customer service is fast, fair, and friendly, and I LOVE the Coco Pots and packaging. And, I definitely love the coupons that come with each new order!

Posted on May 15, 2006, updated May 17, 2012
This was my first order with Bluestone. I ordered 2 of the blue satin rose of sharon. I was REALLY surpised by how small the plants were and the fact that, although they were in pots, there was no soil in the pot, and the roots were completely bare. I think both plants will probably survive, but it will take years for them to get anywhere big enough to have a decent bloom. I was very disappointed with what I received for the price paid, especially after researching Bluestone on this site prior to ordering.

"

Please contact us so that we can reship. It sounds like your package was handled badly in shipping, as it certainly had soil when it left here. We pride ourselves on our packing, and it is possible your package was mangled and re-boxed by the carrier."

Posted on May 12, 2011, updated May 15, 2012
I have purchased lots of plants from Bluestone Perennials and again, this year they did not disappoint. About 50 large columbines and 6 large foxgloves. All expertly packaged and really large size - 10 inch. Last year I made the mistake of buying from American Meadows and the difference was amazing. Those plants arrived half dead, 30% actually did just have some shriveled roots in them. I received a partial refund and they went on my black list. Bluestone came through once again and I will definately order more form them during 2011.

I decided this year I would try a couple of different stores that were "cheaper" because of the slight price increase at Bluestone. BIG mistake. I ordered 6 delphiniums from the first "cheaper place" (not mentioning names) and just got an ENTIRE package infected with crown rot. The second store (again, won't mention names) I ordered 6 Tangerine Geums and they all came so root bound I had to practically step on the roots in order to loosen them :(

I'm sticking with Bluestone perinnials for my flowers...period. Thank goodness I did order several other plants this year (Russian Sage, rudbeckia and some Austrailian Astroturf) from Bluestone and they came BIG, healthy and PERFECT. They also came in these neat coconut pots which I am going to re-use and plant start tomatoes in next year. I'm sticking with Bluestone.. lesson learned.

In the past week I received two orders from Bluestone. Both orders looked like they were just dug from the garden, so Bluestone can be sure I will continue to order from them. Simply outstanding!

Posted on February 7, 2012, updated May 11, 2012
Posted on August 22, 2011, updated February 7, 2012
Posted on April 21, 2011, updated August 22, 2011
Received a large order yesterday from Bluestone which I placed back in February. The plants look very healthy and were packed nicely. The ordering experience was easy and their prices are very reasonable, especially when you add in certain discounts they give for ordering early. Excellent selection of plants also.

"On Aug 23, 2011 2:51 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thank you so much, pmabreu! You have hit the nail on the head, and we are grateful for your support. We have just posted a video showing our new pot, the new size (with a size comparison) and the new packaging. The link is above, but it is http://www.youtube.com/user/BluestonePerennials?feature=mhee We start shipping next week and the plants look fantastic!"

I have ordered many plants from Bluestone in years past with no problem. I needed 2 day lilies and saw the new use of coco planters and that the size of the plants were larger than in past years. Trusting the fact they guarantee the plants, I ordered them. They arrived on time and WOW. The plants arrived healthy, green, safe and secure and well packaged. They were so easy to plant and had no wilting problems. To say I was impressed is an understatement. Very very satisfied as usual. Can't wait to see the first blooms.

I have ordered from Bluestone about 4 times in the past few years. I have always been pleased with the plants. My most recent order arrived Friday 5/4/2012. The plants were a good size and very healthy, with blooms on some plants. I have no problem paying a bit more for larger plants. I agree with other posters who object to negative ratings due to price and packaging changes. I found Bluestone because of good ratings on Daves Garden. If they had changed their prices 2 years ago, they would not have made the top 50 and I would not have tried them.

I have ordered from Bluestone several times and I haven't had any trouble. I just received my first order since they changed to the coco pots and the plants all arrived in good condition. If you don't like the coco pots they are easy enough to cut apart to get the plants out of them, but I left them on when I planted. I like that you don't have to worry about disturbing the roots in these coco pots.
One of the reasons I keep ordering from Bluestone is because they seem to try hard to provide healthy plants. I like that they mentioned in their catalog that they switched suppliers for hostas to decrease the risk of transmitting Hosta Virus X (a problem in hosta that many other nurseries are not yet addressing at all). They also are very easy to deal with if you have a customer service issue. I placed my order back in December for May shipment. Right before it shipped, I requested several changes and the customer service reps handled it very promptly and easily by email.
Even though the prices on some of their plants are higher than at other places, they offer a lot of sales and deals so it's really NOT that expensive if you are a savvy shopper. I also believe in supporting them because they offer quality, healthy plants.

I've shopped at Bluestone for over 20 years, but this year I opened my first shipment since the packing change with fear and trepidation. Somehow I'd stumbled on a lot of negative comments about the packing. But I was absolutely delighted. The plants were bigger than they used to be, no spilling at all. They were more evenly moist than I was used to. I think this new packaging is terrific. And no peanuts to try to sweep up! I'm wondering if they changed anything in response to the negative feedback. Specifically, did they always have a tight plastic band around the top edge to hold everything together?

LAS

"On May 4, 2012 2:16 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thanks for the nice comments, LAS. We always listen and constantly strive to improve our product and our delivery. We want you to be delighted every time you open a box from Bluestone!"

Posted on January 6, 2012, updated May 1, 2012
Posted on May 13, 2011, updated January 6, 2012
Posted on April 12, 2010, updated May 13, 2011
Posted on April 12, 2010, updated April 12, 2010
I have been ordering from Bluestone for a few years. Yes, the plants are small, but will fill in very quickly. I like to order from them because everything comes in a pot and not a bare root so I can leave them go for a few days and not feel rushed to get them in the ground. I bought the shade garden from them last year and it has performed wonderfully. Only one plant in that garden did not make it and I e-mailed them regarding it and no questions asked, they are sending me a replacement this spring. I placed a spring order and can't wait to receive it. I would recommend to anyone who needs to get a garden going with out a lot of money.

"On May 2, 2012 4:18 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thanks, Jlmyers72, for the post. We also noticed the soil was drying too quickly and we have changed our potting soil mix for the future. "

I have had nothing but excellent results and service from Bluestone Perennials, and this year was no exception. True, the prices are higher, but the product I received was in excellent health and growing condition. Shopping the sales gets the customer back to that sweet price where one can buy three of an item and get larger plants for the same $10-15 price. Of course not everything is on sale, but Bluestone usually has a 15% off early season sale. The packing of my order was a thing of beauty and so good I took a picture of it in the hope of posting it here. Plants are nestled into cardboard cartons of three items each and then placed in shipping cartons in such a way that they are not crowded, cannot tip onto their greens and be crushed or mold from lack of air. They are easy to maintain and carry to their planting spots. I highly recommend them.

Posted on May 19, 2010, updated May 1, 2012
I have been ordering from Bluestone for a really long time. In fact I just realized that I placed my first order back in the 90's! Wow!

Yes, the peanuts are a pain, but the quality and variety of plants are super. Prices are excellent and the online specials are a great deal!

I would and do often recommend them.

I think Bluestone's change to biodegradable pots is a good thing.

I've ordered three times. Did not enjoy wading through the peanuts.

I was a little worried about the plants not growing through the bottom of the pot so I opened it up for the roots.

My experience with this grower has been a good one.

Keep up the good work! Q

This was my first order with Bluestone Perennials and it will be my last. I received my plants today they were very small, in scraggly condition and not worth the price that was charged. I am a master gardener and frankly, I am not sure even I can help them survive. Waste of money.

"On Apr 29, 2012 12:02 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Please be in touch! Your plants are guaranteed, and we will reship or refund immediately at your request. We hope you will give us a chance to make this right, and we apologize for the condition of your shipment. We will do better if you will give us the opportunity."

My box of plants arrived in excellent condition. I have been served well by Bluestone in the past, and will continue to order from them. I don't miss the three-packs, many times the plants were just too small to do well without a lot of extra attention. I am reserving judgement on the new pots. Some of the roots had grown into the coir, as described in the video, but several had not. I would not recommend planting the whole pot: if the top edge pokes above the soild surface, I believe it will wick moisture away from the roots. I used a scissors to cut off the top inch or so, bringing it below the soil surface level.