Comments regarding Bluestone Perennials

I have ordered from Bluestone Perennials several times. My most recent order arrived a couple weeks ago and I was very pleased with the size of the plants and how well they were packed, especially that I didn't have to deal with all that packing material. The box was well designed to assure the plants weren't damaged in shipping. The website has many good sales and the prices are as good or better than any local nurseries. I usually only use mail order for different varieties than I can find locally. I will continue to order from Bluestone.

Posted on May 29, 2011, updated April 14, 2012
I ordered from bluestone because of what i've read on DG. My plants came quickly and in very good condition. I took advantage of the 1/2 price sale and got very full 2" pots, much more mature plants than I had dared to hope for. I'm pleased to see in another posting that they will not be using styrofoam peanuts after this year. I really, really hate them- that was the only negative part of my experience. I'll be back next spring once they've changed the packaging.

"On May 31, 2011 1:37 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thanks for the kind words and positive rating! Just a clarification that our packaging will change for our Fall shipments starting in late August (just in case you need something sooner!)"

My Bluestone pants came last week exactly when I asked for them, Packaging was superb as good as I seen in many years of mail ordering. Plants were healthy and I followed instructions for planting pots to the letter. Hoping for good luck with them. They say the roots will grow and I trust their word.
Pat Wallace

I've ordered from Bluestone for years and have always been pleased. I was a little startled at the price increase last year when they switched to the new "coco" pots so I called them. They told me that with the new pots, the plants don't suffer transplant shock because the pots go directly into the ground, and as a result the plants get bigger faster. I thought I'd give it a try even tho the costs were higher.
Several months later, I'm very pleased at the results. The plants from my last order are indeed growing up faster than my previous orders where the plants had to be removed from the plastic pots so you could plant them. Some of the plants are dramatically bigger than you'd usually get the following year.

Posted on April 8, 2010, updated April 10, 2012
Just received another order from Bluestone, everything looks great! Last year one of the butterfly bushes I ordered from them bloomed in the wrong color. I had the plants in the ground for several weeks by the time I was sure the flowers weren't pink. I called Bluestone and they replaced it no questions asked. That pink (I hope) butterfly bush was included in this springs order. Way to go Bluestone!

Posted on April 4, 2012, updated April 10, 2012
What a wonderful ordering experience. Just received a sizable spring order from Bluestone and I could not be more pleased. Packing was extraordinarily efficient with no tape, staples, packing peanuts, shredded paper or other extraneous materials. Just pull out the cardboard inserts (each one holds three plants), unhook the bottom, pull out the plants, break down the insert and move on. Doing this, I was able to unpack 5 large, full boxes of plants in about 10 minutes. Even the shipping boxes themselves could be broken down by hand with no blades (to cut tape) or tools needed.

The plants were HUGE and bursting with vitality and health. There was not a single dud in the batch. Many of them even have vigorous roots already bursting through the sides of the coco pots. And there was no loose dirt anywhere. All of it remained in the coco pots where it belonged.

I absolutely love this company's commitment toward choosing materials with a better environmental impact. All packing materials are recyclable and there is no messy plastic pot to deal with. People are complaining about that?!

As for pricing, if you compare plant pricing along with shipping to any other mail order company, Bluestone's pricing is still very much on the low end. I will GLADLY pay a few extra dollars for materials that are more environmentally friendly, even if that means buying a few less plants overall. Come on, folks, let's look at the big picture here!

One constructive criticism I would offer to Bluestone: after being in transit for two days (Ohio to Chicago) in very moderate 50 degree F weather, I was surprised to find that some plants (maybe 5% total order) were quite dry and even wilting. Plants revived beautifully after being watered, but I would be a bit concerned if temperatures were warmer or if the plants were going longer distances. Maybe your packers should just double check for moisture in each pot? Otherwise, you have a nearly perfect growing and shipping system.

All in all, this was a GREAT experience and I would not hesitate to order from Bluestone again.

"On Apr 5, 2012 9:38 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

Thank you Ispahan, for the post! We heard similar reports, and are now sending our plants out a bit more moist. We're glad you are enjoying your plants."

I've been a Bluestone customer for 8 years and even though I enjoyed the lower pricing in past the changes made recently have made me even happier!
My recent order was beautifully packaged. No plant damage due to shipping. Best of all NO PEANUTS!!! I still find a random peanut in my compost area or greenhouse from previous orders!!!
The coir pots are great - no plastic pots to recycle.
The plants were much healthier looking than past orders.
All in all a very positive experience....still a great sale every now and then would be welcome!!!

I have watched the negative ratings here for a number of weeks with puzzlement. I have ordered from this company for 9 years and it is the largest single source for my perennial gardens, which are extensive. They have exemplary customer servicer, dependable quality and amazing variety. The negatives are coming from folks who are upset that the unique (yes, some use that word) approach used by Bluestone in the past is being replaced by a more traditional approach used by most others. Really? So companies that have always used the more typical model get posiitive ratings and this company gets a negative rating for changing? Some of you sound like you are having preschool temper tantrums. These ratings are very important to these companies and it is ridiculous to punish this company for making a change that doesn't suit you to something that everybody else does! It sounds like some of you are intentionally trying to harm a good company that has been doing a much better job than most for years and continues to do so. Comparing them with what they did in the past instead of comparing them with other companies that actually exist is beyond unfair; it is irrational. How many companies guarantee their plants beyond about 5 minutes after you receive them; how many companies have awesome customer service? (They recently went to great lengths to try to reconstruct my orders for the last 9 years when most other companies I contacted did little to help me). Let's be fair folks. Be fair.

Posted on April 7, 2011, updated April 9, 2012
I received my first order from Bluestone today and was pleasantly surprised by the size and health of the plants. I placed an order from their specials page and wasn't sure what to expect. The packing was done well. All plants look ready to go in the ground. I also ordered a few daylilies and was concerned that one came with only one fan, but was told by rep that it would grow to blooming size this season. I look forward to ordering again from bluestone in the future. I also want to mention that I was impressed with their recyling program.

I've been ordering from Bluestone for several years. I ordered less this year because of the higher prices. My order of 8 plants arrived today and I am very pleased. The plants are big and healthy. The packaging is great and the cardboard is recyclable. Like another poster said, with the smaller plants, I usually lost one or two (and the company always offered a credit) but with these plants I don't think that will be a problem. Plus the package arrived with coupons I can use to buy more plants (which i plan to do this weekend). I buy locally to, so I also support local nurseries but most of what's in my garden is probably from Bluestone. I get compliments all the time on the centranthus ruber when its blooming, and is has multiplied (not aggressively) so that I have more plants. My mums from Bluestone last fall were spectacular. (and they were the tiny plants ordered last spring) I know folks are still not happy with the higher prices, but I feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Gardening is my therapy/relaxation/exercise, so I consider what I spend an investment in my physical and mental health!

Posted on October 9, 2011, updated April 4, 2012
Posted on November 25, 2007, updated October 9, 2011
i've had several shipments from bluestone this year and i am pleased in all respects. aside from my own inability to care for the last shipment properly, everything has lived and flourished and even some of the last shipment lived. they are the nicest people to do business with and their prices are among the lowest anywhere.

"On Oct 12, 2011 8:19 AM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are sorry your latest shipment arrived in poor condition. Please be in touch so that we can make amends. From your previous posts, it's clear that you have been a loyal customer, and we sincerely appreciate that. We will continue to tweak our packaging as we receive feedback, and our goal is always to be "Your garden's best friend". We look forward to hearing from you.

I order from them frequently mostly because I am in the one day shipping radius and so don't have to worry about shipping stress. I have always been pleased with my plants and the new shipping system is impressive- easy to unpack and the plants don't even have a crushed leaf.

I had never before had occasion to have a complaint, but the pink daffodils I got from them last fall came up yellow this spring, so I emailed them to see if I could get more. Of course bulbs are not available in the spring but they offered a refund and I didn't have to ask, argue, send photos, or jump through any hoops at all. Even better, the refund showed up immediately on my card- no "wait for the next billing cycle" delay at all.

In this day when customer service seems a thing of the past I am happy to give my business to companies like this who clearly value me as a customer. That the plants are nice and the varieties available wide is icing on the cake for me.
Good customer service trumps everything and these folks have it!

My order from Bluestone just arrived and I can't be any more pleased. The plants are large and thriving with not a leaf out of place. The carefully constructed packing is heads and shoulders above most mail order nurseries, with each plant held securely in a fantastic system of cardboard baffles and sleeves. I love the coir pots! These are large, healthy plants and the pots just ensure that they stay that way. My order arrived via Fed-X and hardly any soil was shifted out of place. I'm extremely pleased. Thank you Bluestone!

I just received my box of plants from Bluestone Perennials, and I couldn't be happier. I received nine plants, efficiently packed in one box. Inside the box were three cardboard inserts that each fit three plants. Very cool packaging design. (No packing peanuts. Yay!) Because they were snugly and safely packed, all of the plants arrived in perfect condition. They just needed a little water.

And the coco pots that everyone talking about? I love them. They are larger than the old plastic pots that Bluestone used to sell. Consequently, my plants looked full and healthy, with well-established root systems.

I think this company is way ahead of the curve on the way they grow and ship their plants. I am a VERY SATISFIED customer.

I, too, was unhappy about the change of pricing and packaging, but I was driving past Bluestone last August and decided to stop and check out the changes. I ended up buying 14 plants. They were definitely larger. To be honest, I usually lost one or two of the little plants anyhow before they were ready to bloom. So far, 12 of the 14 are up and thriving. I'm glad I waited until now to give feedback. I am definitely pleased.

I have been a devoted client of Bluestone for years. Great selection, quality, prices, and customer service. I have no doubt that they continue to offer the same top-notch quality as ever, but sadly with their slightly shocking price increases this season I can no longer afford to buy from them (at least not to the extent that I once did.) Love the company, sad about the changes. That being said, if you can afford it I highly recommend Bluestone.

I've ordered from Bluestone in the past, and have been very pleased with their plants and their customer service. The prices have gone up this year, which is disappointing, but prices for *everything* have gone up, including the prices in other garden catalogs I receive. Bluestone's effort to use ecologically sound practice in their business is one reason I continue to buy from them; as a gardner, the well-being of nature is a concern for me, and I'm glad it's a concern for them as well.

I didn't order as much this year from them because of the pricing, but I'm looking forward to receiving my plants. Their shipping methods and quality always outstrip those of other mail-order nurseries.

Posted on May 9, 2010, updated January 17, 2012
Just received my first order ever from Bluestone Perennials. It will be the first of many! Plants were clearly of top quality and arrived safe and sound.

I had contacted Bluestone previously because I learned that I would not be at home the week that my plants were originally scheduled to ship--the customer service person I spoke with was very courteous and friendly. My request to change the shipping date was carried out with no problems!

Again, I'm very happy with this company. Now, I just have to find some way to justify placing another order with them this fall...oh wait, there's that free shipping on your next order deal they give you if you return the packaging materials from your last order to them. Problem solved!

Posted on March 27, 2006, updated January 16, 2012
I've ordered only once last year after seeing the variety of Sedum available in a catalogue that my sister-in-law had. We are Zone 9A. All have come through the winter well, even with the current drought and being newly established. I have been impressed with the size anbd quality of the plants and have not yet had to see how they deal with replacements. I will be placing another order this year. Only critisism: I received a 20% off voucher too late to the expiration date to utilize.

While price increases are never something anyone likes, I will say my review is based on the quality of the plants. People can decide for themselves if the quality product is justified by the price. But I bought an assortment of plants for my shade garden and was quite happy. Plants were packaged well and in good shape. And best of all, almost all bloomed at least somewhat in the first year.

I love this company and although the plants are small-- they are healthy and it is no deterent for me to reorder from them. I have received 4 or 5 orders from them. The plants are consistently healthy, they quickly grow and develop well, and they are nicely packaged. It's obvious that Bluestone takes pride in shipping healthy plants. (I did receive a note from Bluestone about their 'new packaging materials' and did notice the price increases in their fall catalog; however, the price increase is not a deterent to prevent me from ordering from this great company because I am aware of what great plants they ship).

Posted on September 10, 2011, updated September 16, 2011
I am a new customer and placed my first order a week ago. I have absolutely no problem with the prices of the plants or the shipping, I LOVE the selection they offer, the sale items, and the pre-planned gardens which I might try next Spring.

I am eager to received the 15 plants I've ordered and when they arrive I will adjust this review to Positive or Negative depending on the condition that everything arrives in.

Compared to Jung Seeds, which I just received my first order from, I am sure that BS could only be an improvement in both size of the plants and customer service.

The first time I ordered from Bluestone Perennials I was disappointed that the plants came unsecured in a box filled with white styrofoam peanuts. The plants had definitely suffered from their trip but the customer service was very good and they replaced the destroyed plants, the problem was that even some of these replacements suffered because the packing method had not changed. Now I am happy to fine that not only have they changed their packing methods but these must be the best packing methods in the industry. They now use biodegradable coco pots that you can plant directly into the ground (no waste), and each plant is packed separately and secured so the dirt isn't thrown around during transportation and the plants look hydrated and without damage.

This has to be the turn around of all time.

Well done Bluestone! You can count on me in the future and I am just glad I went with my gut and did not cancel future orders. You listened to your customers and you made the necessary changes and now you seem to be ahead of the ball.

My order arrived on time, healthy and complete with the exception of one backorder. The backorder did arrive on the exact date it was scheduled for and was in one of the new coconut pots, which I love. In spite of the severe drought in my region this year, my plants did well, and even thrived, especially the Boltonia Snowbank - this thing was not deterred by dog 'attention', drought, my neglect or an iffy location, and grew from one tiny sprig to a plant that actually looks bigger and better than the picture in the catalog. The biggest problem I have had with the plants I've ordered from Bluestone is their sheer health - they tend to grow so well and enthusiastically, I've had to divide and move several of them to give them more space, or give several of the divisions away to neighbors. I'm an extremely picky consumer, and I can't think of anything negative to say about this company.

Posted on August 31, 2011, updated September 9, 2011
Very negative!

This Spring I ordered Rozanne Geranium. They sent 3 of the wrong plants. They finally filled the order with just one dead plant! Their new pots are horrible! The plants didn't even take root into the pot before shipping and are all dried up and scattered in the box! My replacement Kent Beauty Oregano plants were not in the pot either. Their new mix looks like dried up saw dust. The main pots that are coco are just sitting in the bottom half empty! They didn't even wet the mix!

The only plant that's alive is my Clematis. Bless its little heart.

This company just lost a customer. I don't know what happened to their service but it has fallen drasticaloy!

"On Sep 9, 2011 12:42 PM, Bluestone Perennials responded with:

We are so sorry to hear your order was incorrect. We are working the bugs out of an entirely new shipping procedure, and there are have been some bumps in the road. I hope you have or will contact us directly as we won't rest until you are satisfied. We have hopefully fixed the problem of plants going out too dry, so I hope you will allow us to reship. A refund is also available to you, but I hope you will give us a second chance to get it right."

I have been ordering plants from Bluestone for a few years now. I appreciated the low prices of the 3-packs and have had much success with their plants. I was dismayed to see the price hikes this fall, like others were, but I just received a shipment of 3 Ceratostigma in the new coco pots, which was from a backorder from last spring. The plants are very nice - big and healthy looking. I was unsure if they were going to charge me the new prices since this was a backorder from spring when the prices were lower and the plants were smaller. But they sent the bigger plants in the new pots and only charged me the spring prices. They are a good, reliable, responsive company. Although I probably won't order as many plants as I have in the past due to the higher prices, I will certainly still continue to order from them.

I ordered several plants late this spring - all arrived in good shape; although they seemed small, every single one of them is doing very well. I will continue to be their customer!!

Posted on May 18, 2007, updated July 25, 2011
I had ordered from Bluestone years ago and was sorely disappointed so they have been off my list of catalogs to drool over in February for a long time. Due to the feedback here, I decided to give them another try. I was VERY pleasantly surprised. Plants that have arrived so far are larger and healthier than I expected. Most plants are already doing very well, especially the achilleas and hostas. The alchemilla mollis arrived browned and yellowed but is picking up. The ligularia still looks iffy, but I will give it a bit more time to see if it bounces back. I just wish their print catalog design was less confusing - The organization is poor and the descriptions and photos of items are often not even on the same page. Very time consuming and annoying to use. Stick to the website for now.

One of the first mail order companies I've used for plants. Love, love, love their catalog. Wealth of information, especially for newbie gardeners.

Plants shipped are small, but healthy. They give you a no hassle replacement policy within the time frame allotted for any plants that don't survive.

Definitely recommend them, ideal for those on a budget and who don't mind waiting a few years for a larger plant.

They offer coupons in their catalogs as well, and provide additional coupons with your purchases for future use. Nice way to keep customers returning.

Nice customer service, always a plus in my book.

My first order from this company. Plants were healthy but small. I am excited that they will be shipping in the coco pots, and will order again in the fall.

Posted on April 22, 2005, updated June 27, 2011
My spring order has arrived. The plants are lovely and growing well.

Posted on May 4, 2005, updated June 26, 2011
This is the third year I have ordered from this company and as usual, I am very pleased with the prices and quality of the plants received. They sent the plants exactly when I requested them. They have superb customer service. This company is a class act and it shows by all the positive statements it receives. I hope they can maintain these high standards as they continue to gain in popularity!

Posted on September 22, 2007, updated June 25, 2011
My first order from Bluestone Perennials arrived exactly when I requested it. The plants were in excellent condition and larger than expected. They have been in the ground for about a month and are thriving. I don't mind the styrofoam peanuts - they're easier to deal with than a mashed plant.

Posted on May 12, 2010, updated June 20, 2011
I have ordered plants for several years from this company and am never disappointed with both quality and service. Their selection is outstanding and they have a very knowledgeable staff to answer any gardening questions. I highly recommend this company for both great service and great variety of plants offered.

It's been several years since I ordered from Bluestone. I decided to place an order because of their ongoing sale. I was a little concerned when I received a ship notice that said the plants had been shipped on Friday - and it was predicted to be a really hot weekend. I pictured the plants sitting in hot trucks all weekend.

But not to worry! They arrived vie FedEx on Saturday. In beautiful shape. A few plants were back-ordered till August - I don't think I can complain about that, since they were sale purchases.

Yes, they were packed in styrofoam peanuts - lots of them. The plants were in great condition because of that. I always recycle peanuts anyway, so I'm not too concerned, and I know that Bluestone is working on the problem of finding better packing materials for the environment.

I was impressed by the speed of delivery, and by the quality of the plants, for sale plants. Thanks, Bluestone!

Received my plants quickly. All plants are healthy with good root systems. Would definitely order from them again.

I am very pleased with what I received. The plants were a great size for the right price. I will be ordering from them again.

Received 3 beautiful healthy large plants. Quick shipping with shipping notice sent by email. Very impressed! Would buy again from them without any hesitation at all.

I've ordered from them many, many times and have never been disappointed. I do think their 3 plants really equal one plant, but the price is reasonable enough that I just plant all 3 together as one plant. Great customer service. They always replace the plants if there is an issue, unlike another garden source who will argue with you that the plant will survive and even after it dies, will not replace it. Their specials are unbeatable. Great selection and price.