Has anyone had good luck with mail order bare root plants? I just tried it and I am very disappointed with what I received.
It depends on who you order from. We have received dead plants masquerading as "bare root", and we have also received well-packaged plants with moist packing around the roots and extensive instructions on what to do upon receipt. We really prefer to buy locally, but when that isn't possible, we research the supplier and decide if they are reliable and want to sell you plants you'll enjoy, or just get rid of their stock. If you are disappointed, let the supplier know. Also, you may be able to contest the charges with your credit card company.
I've received quite a few bare root plants Donna. I don't know what the problems are that you've experienced with the plants you've received but here's what I do with mine. Before you plant them up keep the roots moist, cool and in the dark. Roots will need to be soaked before you plant them. I find that a minimum of 4 to 6 hours is best to ensure proper hydration. If possible, continue to soak roots while transplanting. Plants should be planted up within 24 to 48 hours of receiving them. Don't soak for longer than overnight since the plant roots need oxygen too. Remove any withered leaves or dead shoots with a sharp pair of scissors. After planting, don't be tempted to overwater. Before watering test the soil with your finger to see if it is dry. If it is dry deeper than around and inch down then the plant will needed to have a drink. Remember that too much water at this stage can prevent root growth and drown the plant but there again too little will dehydrate it. The first two weeks after planting will be the most crucial to survival so keep your plant material properly irrigated. Additional shade and wind protection may benefit certain species. I've had success with doing this after receiving bare root roses in particular. Be patient with them as some plants will take longer for the roots to establish themselves and the plant to show the first signs of life. I hope this has helped you out.
Donna, Eileen makes some very good suggestions which are good to follow as I have ordered and planted numerous bare root plants. It helps a lot by starting out with a healthy plant as well and you won't know that until you receive it at your home. I have gone through two different companies. Before ordering, check out their return/refund policy and save all receipts and packaging. I hope this helps.
Blue spruce This is what I received bare root this week. Blue spruce (believe it or not.) I did scratch test and they are alive. Do you think they will survive. Should I cut off all the dead looking branches? They look dead to me. ( photo / image / picture from Donna S's Garden )
Yep, I agree with Netty. Colorado Blue Spruce is an evergreen and only looks like that when dead or dying. Appears they were shipped at the wrong time of the year and took way longer to get to you than is good for the plant.
I agree! those won't survive. Call them immediately and tell them what the problem is. Maybe they will replace them, maybe they will refund your money, but those won't be greening up at all for you. E-mail them the picture if you can. Everyone knows a picture is worth a million words. It say's it all. In the future, try to order your plants for spring or fall shipments, never summer, they need to be able to establish roots before they can support their foliage. Most places do have a return policy or guarantee on their plants. If not, you will have lost out and so have they, because bad experiences by customers are far more expensive than any "great" advertising they can pay for, because you will never recommend them to anyone. Personally, at this time of the year, I would be checking out the local big box stores to see the plants and if they start going on clearance before the fall shipments start coming in. Evergreens are a pretty safe buy in these places, either they are alive and healthy or they look like yours. good luck, I really hope they are willing to make this right for you.
I agree with netty, toni, and carolyn. The evergreens look dead or near death. Contact the company you ordered from right away and try to get a refund. Preferably cash so you can get your trees elsewhere.
July & August are not the months a reputable nursery man should be shipping in (for trees). Order plants by mail to arrive in cooler months.
Donna, I have ordered bare-root plants, and each and every time when I ordered I was notified that the plants would be "shipped at the appropriate time for your area." Coppice is right--no trustworthy nursery is going to ship plants in August! I hope this doesn't turn you off ordering plants. There are good nurseries out there, and often they are the only source for plants we want, but can't find locally. Glad you sent those pitiful trees back, and I hope you get your refund quickly enough to re-order from a good nursery.
I have ordered bare root from good nurseries and have always had great looking plants. I can't believe they mailed those dead trees to you. If anyone is interested in ordering Raspberry plants here is a great nursery that had patented varieties. There name is noursefarms.com They are located in MA. Several years ago we ordered 2 different varieties which where shipped bare root. They were really nice plants and all of them grew really well. Jaclyn is one of the varieties that has a patent. It is a cone shaped berry that is about as big as the tip of your thumb from your first knuckle to the tip of your thumb. They taste wonderful.
