The scoop on 'Stokes Tropicals'

Company Profile   Stokes Tropicals Stokes Tropicals has 283 products listed in PlantScout. Mailing Address: 4806 E Old Spanish Trail Jeanerette, Louisiana 70544-6018 (United States) Phone: 1-800-624-9706 Paper Catalog Cost: $7.95 » E-Mail them » Visit their website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 1 4 9 Neutral 0 0 0 Negative 0 0 0 This company offers a variety of gardening supplies and plants. This company specializes in: Plants: Houseplants Plants: Tropical & Tender Perennials Other helpful information: Member of Mailorder Gardening Association

Feedback History and Summary   37 positives 2 neutrals 11 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Positive gwendylena (25 reviews) On July 02, 2009, gwendylena La Salle, MI wrote: I just received my order. Having ordered from Stokes before, I expected the plants to be very large and healthy. My expectations were high, and the plants I received today were even better than I expected. Huge, and very healthy looking, packed perfectly, arrived very quickly. Wow. I'm really happy with my order. Positive plantgnome (26 reviews) On March 27, 2009, plantgnome Coram, NY wrote: I received my order yesterday and am very pleased with the plant size and health. they were packaged very well and arrived quickly with great individualized planting instructions. I will be doing further business with them in the future. Great customer service thru emails also, none of that auto reply like some other companies. AA++ On April 12th, 2009, plantgnome added the following: The plants are doing well, however their site stated the purple fountain grass is a zone 7 plant. After further investigation, after I received the plant. Every other site on the web states this is a zone 8 or 9 and above plant. So now I have to bring it in in the fall or I\'ll lose it. My fault for not investigating further with other sites, before ordering. But they should be more accurate with their zones for each plant. I did email them, but they never answered. So I may or may not order from them again. Positive smwheels (2 reviews) On March 24, 2009, smwheels Virginia Beach, VA wrote: I have ordered various plants from Stokes over the last several years and have never been disappointed, quite the contrary. Everything I have ordered, which includes plumerias, foxtail ferns, tree ferns, agapanthus, has come in a very timely fashion and every plant has been a full and lush specimen. Consequently, I have never had to use their customer service department. I have and will continue to recommend this company to others. Positive Williampaul (1 review) On February 12, 2009, Williampaul Scottsdale, AZ wrote: I ordered in early Feb, the plants came within a week. They were very well packed, and arrived in perfect condition. The amazing thing is........the plants were much larger than I expected, and I had to up-size the clay pots I had purchased for them.........what a pleasant surprise. bb Positive gone2seed (23 reviews) On January 02, 2009, gone2seed Milton, FL (Zone 8a) wrote: I received my order 4 days after placing it.The plants were well packaged and actively growing.These bulbs don't even know they have been moved.I can't say enough good things about this company.They have made a repeat customer of me. Positive vossner (78 reviews) On December 24, 2008, vossner Richmond, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I ordered 2 amaryllises on 12/21/08 and received on 12/24. I was delighted with the items and the careful way they were packaged. A+ Won't be my last purchase. Positive zubababy (7 reviews) On August 02, 2008, zubababy West Jordan, UT wrote: i ordered a plumeria, banana, sansevia, and alocasia. i received my order within a week from ordering. everything arrived packed well. the size of the plants were very generous. great company to order from. Positive couchfry (3 reviews) On July 23, 2008, couchfry Florence, AL wrote: I have ordered two varieties of bamboo from Stokes Tropicals and was pleased with each. Both large healthy plants are still thriving. Positive waydownsouth (1 review) On July 17, 2008, waydownsouth Lafayette, LA wrote: Hi, I live about 30 minutes north of Stokes. I bought my first house 1 1/2 years ago and have been steadily buying from Stokes since then as I decorate my yard. My experiences with them have always been the very best. Sometimes I order over the net when I'm just too busy to make it there, other times I stop by and try to limit my exploring to an half hour or less before making my purchases. Plants are always full and healthy. Sondra is definitely there and great. One time last fall there was only 1 specimen of a bromeliad left and it looked a little less than good. I was willing to take it as is, and she reduced it to half price unsolicited because she felt it did not warrant full price. It's a alive and well and split into 2. She and all the staff know their business and will answer any questions. They'll also ask you questions, to learn about how the plants fared for you and in your environment. Kudos to them. Positive eickenho (32 reviews) On April 18, 2008, eickenho Sugar Land, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I ordered an Australian Tree Fern from Stokes. Stokes was fast and friendly in answering my questions beforehand, and I couldn't be more happy with the tree fern that I received. It was healthy and reasonably priced, and it looked great. Positive bunkhouse (1 review) On April 12, 2008, bunkhouse Gulf Shores, AL (Zone 8b) wrote: I ordered one Erythrina herbacea and was surprised to find three in the package. A handwritten note was included that said they sent three because the plants were small! All three are doing well. Positive cd777 (1 review) On January 11, 2008, cd777 Foothill Ranch, CA wrote: I went and visited their location in Louisiana. They have a greenhouse but not everything is in it; don't expect to order a plumeria in January and get it in a week. Their web store is GREAT but it didn't seem to know whether something is in stock or will take a while to supply; a phone call is a good idea. Good plants, including some hard-to-find varieties, at competitive prices. Nice job Glenn. If you decide to visit, 1) call ahead as they aren't always open for Sat. visits; 2) It's a haul from New Orleans so get a hotel room; and 3) You can make a day of it by also visiting the Tabasco factory nearby. Positive queenofthegarde (12 reviews) On August 24, 2007, queenofthegarde Whittier, CA wrote: Wow! With trepidation, I orderd luna moth and another ginger from Stokes Tropicals via ebay. I was pretty worried as the ratings here on GW were so low. WOW! I was shocked to receive incredibly wonderful clumps - not measly rhizomes! The packages were huge! I also ordered from GingersRUs - the difference between what I got from Stokes and what I go from GingersRUs was so incredibly dramatic. Had I not already unwrapped everything from GingersRUs, I might have considered returning some of the plants for comparable specimens from Stokes - - where GingersRUs sent one rhizome, Stokes sent a dozen. Don't know if the website orders would produce the same result as ebay orders, but I am now planning a large Stokes order. Thank you, Stokes! One request, though. NO packing peanuts, please! My two boxes from Stokes had so many peanuts, I couldn't add any more to my trash cans. The peanuts that got away took hours to clean up. Plus, they are SO bad for the environment. I am sure you at Stokes could figure out a way to pack plants WITHOUT styrofoam. Also, the wet shredded paper that was also in the box was also messy and hard to take off the plants. Negative bingobirdie (1 review) On July 26, 2007, bingobirdie Toledo, OH wrote: placed an order online for a SPRENGII FERN (ASPARAGUS).it was advertised for 14.95 very full plant in a 1 gallon container.when in received it,it came with dead and dying fronds,roots and soil wrapped in a paper towell with white duct tape.the plant had been divided and i had only received about a four inch pot size.i called and complained and was told i would have to return it and of course they were not going to pay for return shipping so i just kept it.i'll never order from them again. Positive amarantha00 (14 reviews) On April 29, 2007, amarantha00 San Bernardino, CA wrote: Very good experiences at Stokes Tropicals. Helpful customer service, healthy plants and very careful shipping. I've purchased colocasia, alocasia, ginger & hibiscus and never once been disappointed. Positive bradfordko (1 review) On October 31, 2006, bradfordko Plattsmouth, NE (Zone 5a) wrote: Ordered a white bird of paradise from this company. I was pleasantly surprised by delivery, packaging and care taken for it's travel. I would highly recommend. I believe you get what you pay for. You may spend a little more for Stokes Tropicals but it's well worth it. AAA++++ Positive Michaelp (1 review) On September 09, 2006, Michaelp Orange Springs, FL (Zone 9a) wrote: I have bought from Stokes several times, they were not perfect on two occations --but when I contacted them ,they went out of their way to make it right, --I just recieved a 2 foot tall banana in the mail from them, for no charge, after sending them a picture of a banana I had bought 2 years ago, that was not the one I had asked for.--This is far more than I had expected, --I am very happy with them, and plan on using them in the future, --Michael Porter Positive DiamondD (9 reviews) On August 26, 2006, DiamondD Baton Rouge, LA (Zone 8b) wrote: A friend introduced me to Stokes and she has released the monster in me! Dented my credit card quite a bit. I have placed quite a few orders and received my plants the next day [we live in the same state]. The quality of plants were excellent. I've sent e-mail questions and received replies the same day. Can't speak highly enough about them. Positive bbinnj (21 reviews) On July 27, 2006, bbinnj West Orange, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered 2 cordylines from ST on July 16 by phone (website was having difficulty). They arrived on the 19th. Beautiful plants, but they came bare-rooted; a fact not prominently displayed on the website (my one criticism). I contacted them right away since I could not plant immediately and was told that I could keep them moist in a bucket for 4 days. I planted them and have them on my patio; I see new leaves coming out already even though it's only been 4 days since I planted them. On October 4th, 2006, bbinnj added the following: Just received 2 bromeliads I won through their eBay auctions. Folks, these were a bargain, a Guzmania in bloom for less than $3 and 3 Aechmea pups, 1 in bloom, for 99 cents. Even with shipping ($12 altogether), I paid less for them then I would have for the Guzmania alone. They arrived quickly and in good condition. Pups were bare-root, other was potted, these details were noted in the auction listings. Positive Gaylams (3 reviews) On July 07, 2006, Gaylams Poplarville, MS wrote: I recently ordered two ginger rhysomes from Stokes. They arrived in fine condition. When the first one bloomed, I realized it was not the plant I had ordered. I called Stokes and explained and also e-mailed a picture of the bloom. That same day they had two of the correct plants on their way to me. I kept the original plants and they paid for the shipping on the replacements. The people I spoke with were all very polite and knowledgeable. I would trade with them again any time. Positive mpoche (5 reviews) On June 05, 2006, mpoche Alexandria, LA wrote: I just ordered two super dwarf Cavendish banana plants from Stokes. I received them the very next day! Of course, I suppose living in Alexandria, Louisiana helped. Even so, I have never had a company deliver so fast. They were excellently packaged and in very good shape. I will definitely order from them again. Positive jodhi (1 review) On May 30, 2006, jodhi Brooklyn, NY wrote: I've ordered plumerias from Stokes about 5 years ago and another one just recently. They certainly have stepped up their customer service over the years. Stokes Tropicals is one of the few mail order places that offer a good variety of plumerias. I got confirmation the day I order my Bali Whirl and it arrived within a week. It was more than what I had expected. The quality was definitely much better than what I got 5 years ago. I will definitely purchase from Stokes Tropicals again. Positive BrianInOrbit (1 review) On April 26, 2006, BrianInOrbit Pompano Beach, FL wrote: Stokes Tropicals - I just want to express the sentiment that i have lived in Florida(northern and southern) for over 12 years and regardless of some complaints lodged against ST i am very pleased to get some of the species they carry(i personally have not encountered problems) i've been to countless nurseries and am thrilled to get an unusual specimen even mailorder and small when a couple years down the road i can look at an interesting plant that i won't see in other yards since they come mostly from Home Depot or Target. Thank you ST for being here even if your not perfect- and remember folks its a difficult business even at the best of times. Positive Fangorn (2 reviews) On July 20, 2005, Fangorn Fayetteville, GA wrote: First time I've ever ordered from a mail-order nursery. I was pleasantly surprised when I ordered a Musa Basjoo late on a Friday night, received confirmation Saturday morning and plant was on my doorstep Thursday when I got home from work (without getting gouged for shipping). Plant was nicely packed (and roots still moist) in sphagnum with newspaper over that and all protected with packing peanuts. Plant was good-sized and in as beautiful a condition as any I've bought at a nursery. I will buy from them again (impressive selection of gingers)! Positive lwsd (5 reviews) On July 07, 2005, lwsd Coronado, CA wrote: I'm very pleased with this company. I just received my dwarf singapore plumeria and it is healthy, leafed out, and rooted in a one gallon pot. I received a conformation of my order the same day, and received my plant exactly one week from placing my order. Nice job Stokes. Will be ordering from them again. Linda, San Diego Positive cfarm (1 review) On April 21, 2005, cfarm Discovery Bay, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: Placed a first order with these folks for 2 super dwarf bananas, a Heliconia and a desert rose. Items showed up next day via FedEx which was a surprise based on the low shipping cost I was charged. Well packed, good sized, nice looking plants. Will definitely be buying from them again soon. Positive Jobee (1 review) On September 13, 2004, Jobee San Jose, CA wrote: I have made several purchases from this company and have found their staff to be knowledgeable and friendly, their plants have arrived healthy and bug free, and their delivery is really fast. - Jobee in San Jose, California Positive Philly (17 reviews) On April 30, 2004, Philly Philadelphia, PA wrote: I had heard things were a lot better at Stokes so I placed an order. Got to say, they were especially quick and i got a great plant and some hard to find fertilizers for bananas and tropicals. I am cosidering ordering some more plants in the future. Positive rylaff (18 reviews) On March 19, 2004, rylaff Niceville, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: I have nothing but high praise for this company. Their website is easy to navigate. I ordered 2 hibiscus online Sunday night. I recieved an email acknowledging the order. The plants were delivered priority mail on Friday. They were very well packaged and not even droopy. The roots were wrapped with spagnam moss, then newspaper. One of the hibiscus had a bloom and several buds on it! Very impressed. I am going back on there now to order more. Positive ScottDurand (3 reviews) On December 11, 2003, ScottDurand Lafayette, LA wrote: I have nothing but high ranks for Stokes Tropicals. I have dealt with them for a few years, and I must say anytime there is the slightest problem with something I have purchased it is handled promptly. The service could not more friendly, and I always get a quick return phone call from them if I leave a message. They recently updated to a new website, and have streamlinted things on it. Salutations to the gang at Stokes. Positive paullgj (1 review) On November 25, 2003, paullgj wrote: I placed the order by internet on Nov. 17. It was shipped Nov. 19. Yesterday, Nov. 24, two bananas arrived in perfect condition. They were neatly wrapped and well -protected for the shipment from Louisiana to Brownsville, Texas. I have dealt with Stokes in the past for bananas - the living plants (not corms) have all arrived in very good condition. I do not understand why all the negative reviews for Stokes Tropicals. Positive RobynLacy (7 reviews) On August 27, 2003, RobynLacy Sacramento, CA (Zone 10a) wrote: I have never had a problem with Stokes...I have ordered everything from Bananas to plumerias and caladiums and gingers...all were always perfect and came in perfect time. Nothing has ever died. I am sure people have had bad experiences, but in all my orders, everything was perfect! I have ordered from them somewhere around 5 time...the only complaint is that they have suddenly become a little pricey. Positive Lucette (3 reviews) On June 05, 2003, Lucette wrote: I have email stokes about their Bougainvilleas. I written Stokes Tropicals about all the bad experiences that I heard (read) about (via a friend). I received an apologetic reply from Sondra. sondra@stokestropicals.com She let me know that she had been gone from the business for two years and during that time they had a different managment. She said that she would be happy to discuss issues. Also that there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee on how the plants have arrived. Hey, maybe ya'll can see what she can do for you from ya'lls bad experience. On June 30th, 2003, Lucette added the following: I ordered 2 Bougainvilleas. They came in within a week and a half. They were full and luscious with flower petals. They were beautiful. I will definately order from them again. Negative Jewelweed (21 reviews) On June 02, 2003, Jewelweed Arlington, TN wrote: I placed an online order in 2001and added to it by telephone. It took seemingly forever to receive the plants, and even then I did not get all of them. Finally gave up on the Musa basjoo (hardy banana) plants I'd ordered. Every time I called I was given a different answer about when to expect them & finally in frustration I canceled that part of the order. They charge for their print catalog and allegedly you get the cost refunded on your first order. Had to call & complain about this because they didn't do it. I was happy about the Hibiscus & Banana fertilizers I ordered, though, and the Ginger plant is hardy in zone 7 & finally flowered last fall. Not worth the hassle & I won't order from them again. I discovered plantsbymail.net shortly after this experience. Positive brucedean (4 reviews) On April 11, 2003, brucedean Jackson, GA (Zone 7a) wrote: The cannas I ordered over the internet arrived in 3 days .They were large heathy plants packed in spanish moss.I will order from them again. Neutral Kelli (13 reviews) On March 17, 2003, Kelli Los Angeles (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) wrote: Plants ordered by mail were beautiful and of much better quality than plants ordered over the Internet. Our results over the long term with the plants has been mixed. We can't get plumerias to live more than about a year. The banana trees grow well but have never produced fruit. The hedychium ginger has never bloomed. The curcuma ginger performed well but but only lived for three years. The variegated alpina ginger has been a wonderful plant. I will order from this company again, but by mail order, not over the Internet. Positive eldonbailey (3 reviews) On May 12, 2002, eldonbailey Lake Charles, LA wrote: I have received two orders from them this spring. In both cases, the plants were in good shape. On one order, they were out of one item and they called me personally to suggest and receive approval for a substitution. Neutral insane (2 reviews) On April 23, 2002, insane wrote: last year i order from them ,received my order of bananas plants, were small but ok. somethings were back order, but did not let me know when would rec them,,so i canceled, this year i want to try again , but i have read a lot of negative comments elsewhere on them. they have a great catalog ,many items, and i hate to find out that about the negative things for i am trying to be positive about them..they also have not answered my e mail of 3 times. so go figure. WL On April 23rd, 2002, insane changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Negative jnmry (1 review) On April 14, 2002, jnmry wrote: On the 14th December 2001 I placed and order for one of Stokes Tropicals advertised 'specials' which was in their catalogue and on the net. A Ylang Ylang tree for the price of $ll.86, item 83251 in their catalogue. I placed the order and gave my credit card to pay for the delivery. At the time of the order, Ashley told me that they would only be available in April. I called about my order and was told that - despite my having given her all my ordering details - I had never placed an order with them, as there were no records of my order with Stokes Tropicals. After much discussion they offered me a re-order. Certainly not at the price of $11.86. But at $50 dollars. This was for a slightly larger tree. To mollify me she promised to send it out within ONE WEEK. Since I can't wait any longer as I am in transit I placed the order with the understanding it would be shipped out IMMEDIATELY. That was on the 11 April. It is now the 14th. No Ylang Ylang Tree delivered as yet. I am totally disgusted, frustrated, angered and after this horrible experience with you I WILL NEVER PLACE AN ORDER WITH STOKES AGAIN, WHAT'S MORE, I WILL TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PASS ON MY EXPERIENCE TO ALL THE GARDENERS I KNOW, ON AND OFF THE WEB. Negative HelenCostello (2 reviews) On December 01, 2001, HelenCostello wrote: I am adding my two cents to all the negative comments about Stokes Tropicals. I had experiences similar to the others listed as 2000 and 2001. I ordered over $125 worth of tropicals and received them in FOUR shipments. After complaining that it was not my fault that they didn't HAVE the plants, they reduced the shipping amount somewhat. The hibiscus were PATHETIC and all died after waiting 9 months to get them. They were teeny little sticks. Their customer non-service is also vicious. They guarantee NOTHING, even if it arrives in awful shape.

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