Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

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, 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.

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 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

First-time order: beautiful plants, excellent customer service, good prices!!!

I rarely order from on-line nurseries due to bad experiences in the past, but the fantastic selection Bluestone offers persuaded me to order a plant that has been very difficult to find in the US, even locally. So I was a little alarmed to get a phone call explaining that the shipment had been misdirected & wouldn't arrive on time. Not a good start w/a new company & new order. But the plants arrived only a couple of days late & were healthy & in perfect condition. 3 healthy plants per pot!

The soil medium was still damp but the coir had dried so I amended the planting instructions by slicing the pots w/a blade to increase root contact w/the soil & making sure the loosened pots, including the lip, were covered w/soil. Added lots of bone meal to the planting site & a dose of Superthrive & diluted rooting hormone to water in. 6 weeks later, the new plants are thriving & producing new growth.

If I'd waited til the April 6 ship date (I'd asked for early shipping), I'm sure the roots would have been even more developed. Delayed shipping never helps. But between the extended cool Spring temps we've been getting in the NorthEast, extra attention to transplanting needs, the careful packaging & especially the fantastic quality of the plants, I feel confident I'll have beautiful plants blooming in the Fall.

I waited a while before posting this comment, just to make sure the plants would make it. And I'm happy to see that more gardeners have posted positive remarks to counter that earlier barrage of diatribe from the unhappy customers. Considering the quality of the plants & the packaging, Bluestone's prices are fair & comparable to other sources -- box stores, gardening centers, local nurseries, farmers markets etc. Their selection is exceptional. They were one of 2 nurseries in the country where I could find the plant I'd ordered.

I'm happy to be a new Bluestone customer & am ordering things for Fall planting to take advantage of their coupons.

I'd also like to say that their catalogue is one of the most helpful of all catalogues. All gardeners know that nursery catalogues are like porn for the winter lol & all the pretty pics of all the new things are fuel for the fire. But Bluestone's assessment of real light/sun needs is the most accurate & most realistic.

They deserve to have their Top Garden status restored. Just sayin...

I just received a my latest order from Bluestone, the first since they have revamped their packaging and changed to the new coco fiber pots. I love the new packaging! No more peanuts! The larger plant size is also wonderful. They appear to be very healthy and vigorous. The plants all have large root systems growing through the sides of the coco pots. I can't wait to get them into the ground and see how quickly they start to grow. The pricing is very competitive. The shipping charges are better than most. I also like the coupons you get with each order. Good job, Bluestone!

Posted on May 20, 2011, updated April 26, 2012
Posted on April 26, 2011, updated May 20, 2011
I ordered from Bluestone for the first time this year and just received my order. All plants were very healthy and in great shape! I managed to plant the shade-loving varieties in between rain showers (hostas and ferns). Just waiting for things to dry up a bit before I finish with everything else this weekend.

Thanks for the excellent service and products. I will be ordering again soon.

Third year I have been using Bluestone as a primary source for plants. Experience has been consistently great: excellent plant quality, fast service, plants arrive extremely well-packed and in good condition, customer service knowledgeable and pleasant -- even replaced some plants that failed that I did not ask to be replaced! I love their new coir biodegradeable pots! Really easy to plant.
Recently I discovered I needed more plants for a bed and wanted to have them planted before a big family gathering in a few weeks...customer service quickly and happily helped move the order along and got it shipped so I will have in plenty of time. A pleasure to deal with them.

I ordered 3 Blacklace Elderberry plants. They were approx. 4" tall and had good growth. The plants revived with a quick soak. The price was quite fair for the size. I'm pleased with these plants that I could not find locally.

I have been a loyal Bluestone Perennials customer for a number of years, so I was saddened to see all the negative comments here at the Garden Watchdog about the changes the company made. I have always been satisfied with the plants I purchased from the company and thought most of the negatives were premature. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than in past years, but they are still comparable to those of most other mail order companies and my local garden centers. Plus, the sheer variety of plants Bluestone offers means I don't have to order from several different places and pay each company's shipping!
When I placed an order this spring, the coupons Bluestone sent with my last year's order saved me $5 off my total. The plants arrived a week and a half ago in very good shape; only 1 was a little dry and it revived after a good drink. All my new plants are settling into their new homes very well so far. I am very pleased with Bluestone this year--just as I have been every year since I started ordering from them. I appreciate the environment-friendly changes they have made; the coco pots mean less plastic I have to try to recycle and good riddance to the styrofoam packing peanuts! Thanks, Bluestone Perennials!

Posted on November 9, 2011, updated April 22, 2012
Posted on August 14, 2011, updated November 9, 2011
Posted on July 21, 2005, updated August 14, 2011
I love this nursery. Such an extensive selection-I wind up ordering too much. I have been ordering plants through the mail for many years, but only recently found this company.

Many commented that the plants were "small", so I was actually happily surprised by the size and quality of the plants when I received my first order, which was pretty large. Everything survived, and grew, so I placed a second order the same season. Only one item (Chantrey Land Violets) mysteriously collasped after growing lavishly and blooming their hearts out.

I E-mailed C/S, and got a prompt response. They even called me to find out what I wanted to do as they did not have the Violets for Fall shipment. They offered me several alternatives (unusual in my experience). I chose to order a substitute to ship in the Fall. The price of the new plants were not of concern- Gail said I could order whatever I wanted. I felt even more special when she said I could order something else-no charge. This was unheard of.

Did I mention the great cupon booklet that arrives with all the orders? Not only are they a good savings, they are also good for an entire year, unlike most other mail order nurseries.

This company is definitely at the top of my list.

I have been ordering from Bluestone for a number of years and always been happy. I know that they have changed this season. I have a number of things coming in a few weeks. Hope that I am as happy as I have been in the past.

I have been a customer of Bluestone Perennials for a few years. I have been quite satisfied with the old and as well as the new sizes of the plants. I just received my order today the plants look very healthy and were well hydrated when I opened the box. I will be planting them in the next day or 2. As far as the prices go I think the new prices are competitive with other vendors who are offering similar products and sizes. I will continue to business with them.

Posted on September 20, 2011, updated April 20, 2012
Posted on May 2, 2011, updated September 20, 2011
Last fall I ordered a pentstemon for myself and a phlox garden collection for my daughter-in-law. When they arrived later in the month, the pentstemon was fine but most of the phlox were wilted, crispy or damaged. When I notified Bluestone, the customer service was sympathetic. They offered to replace the phlox in the spring and add another plant of my choice for the delay. On the April 25th they sent the replacement order by Fedex with tracking and It was delivered on the 29th. The order was in good condition, although one of the phlox was quite small in comparison to the others. The bonus plant, a buddleia, was a nice size and very healthy. I would order from Bluestone again, but earlier in the year to give the little plants more time to grow before fall sets in. Also, separating the plants from the plastic peanuts is no picnic. I would be willing to pay more for shipping to unwrap dampened newspaper like Edelweiss Perennials uses and not have the bother of the peanuts.

"On May 11, 2011 12:17 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

You are in luck! We are going peanut-less this fall, and I think you will like our plant offerings even more! Watch for our Fall catalog and check our website in about a month for lots of environmentally friendly changes!"