| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | sarns
Wallingford, PA
(2 reviews)
May 15, 2012 | I ordered a Camellia japonica "Korean Fire," which I've been lusting after but have had trouble finding locally. I ordered a three-year plant, in spite of what was a steep price for me (if I recall correctly, I could have purchased a one-year shrub, but I'm both cheap AND impatient).
When the plant arrived, I couldn't believe my eyes: it was an impressive size and in *perfect* condition out of the box. It would not have looked better had I brought it home from my local nursery (which I couldn't, because they couldn't get it for me!). I emailed a photo of the shrub, fresh out of the box, to a friend of mine who has ordered lots of plants through the mail. He wrote back, "You did NOT get that mail order! It's too beautiful!" My camellia has been in the ground for several weeks now and appears to have suffered exactly zero transplant shock.
I also ordered and received a gorgeous gardenia covered in buds--that my puppy promptly ate (sigh). Can't blame anyone but myself for that.
I heartily recommend this grower. |
| Positive | Express128
Mansfield, TX
(8 reviews)
March 10, 2012 | Posted on May 5, 2009, updated March 10, 2012
Placed an order yesterday, so far their shipping is prompt and the customer service is wonderful. Can't wait till the plants arrive!
On May 9th, 2009, Express128 added the following:
Tea plant arrived yesterday, packaging was A+. Plant was in good condition fair size for a 2year plant, had some live bugs eating the leaves/roots but I just sprayed it off and potted it. We'll see how it goes.
On May 15th, 2009, Express128 added the following:
Went ahead and ordered another tea plant, it came in today and as expected it was in good shape. Will buy from again next year.
On March 10th, 2012, Express128 added the following:
Over the past 3 years I have ordered both plants and seeds. Each time the orders arrived in great shape. Customer service is outstanding & friendly, they will answer any questions and will help placing an order. Not often do you find a nursery like this. A++ |
| Positive | PhillyLover
Philadelphia, PA
(2 reviews)
March 1, 2012 | Placed a small order in February 2012. Plants were promptly shipped, boxing was good and plants arrived in good condition. I was also able to track the shipment online.
Overall quality and size were good for the price paid.
This was my first time ordering from them. Based on this experience, I would feel comfortable ordering more from them in the future. |
| Positive | lafu115
Arlington, VA
(6 reviews)
May 26, 2011 | I ordered three camellia this spring -- one Katie Supreme and two Autumn Moon. All three arrived in beautiful condition. My neighbor commented on how healthy the plants looked. All were very carefully packed. Excellent all the way around. A++++++++++ |
| Positive | tasintuck
Pawcatuck, CT
(7 reviews)
July 27, 2010 | Plants arrived when requested. Plants arrived in fabulous condition, well rooted, hydrated, and incredibly well packed.
I live in the northern limit of camellia range, zone 6a. It has been -13 F in weather history, January 2009, one of those times.
I know now that Camforest is the source of my older camellias that I did not buy from them directly. Survivor has been the most profuse so far, despite the small blooms. But I have so many buds on my new Snow Flurry, it looks like I have a new winner.
My -5 F older plants have had mixed results, spring blooming buds lost, one plant, April Tryst, dying all the way back to the ground, the last two years.
But Camforest has an ample selection of -10 and -15 F hardy plants. Having added some to my collection, I look forward to a better display.
My plants are located with an eastern exposure, under a hickory tree, not an evergreen as recommended. I have read that is wrong, that morning sun in the winter is bad for the plants. I use burlap to protect the young plants in winter, and then take my chances as they age. So no more April Tryst, and Spring Promise has never bloomed. But April Remembered, beautiful. Even Nuncio's Pearl, not from Camforest, blooms extensively. Killing frost is my worst difficulty, dropping open blooms. That -13 F dropped closed buds.
So I will be back to report how much better Camforest's plants do than the older ones. |
| Positive | botanica37
Oakton, VA
(Zone 7a)
(6 reviews)
May 23, 2010 | Posted on March 23, 2008, updated May 23, 2010
I ordered 7 camellias and some seeds. Everything was shipped quickly, the packaging was excellent and the plants look great. Six of the camellias are taller than the 10-12 inches the catalogue describes, (the seventh one being a dwarf camellia), with good size rootballs and in perfect condition. I was supposed to get 5 seeds per variety and I was pleasantly surprised with 6-8 per package. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience, now if I only had more room to add more camellias...I would most definitely order it from them.
On May 23rd, 2010, botanica37 added the following:
This year I ordered again from them and couldn't be happier. I placed my order in the fall of 2009 and was contacted by CS that they wouldn't recommend planting at this time for my zone, which they felt was 6B. I followed their recommendation and was contacted again in spring of 2010 to confirm my order. They shipped my plants shortly thereafter and everything was in great shape, packaged extremely well, no damage whatsoever from shipping and the plants were awesome. All my other camellias from the previous order (2008) are also doing great, they are now about 3+feet tall and all have bloomed, so I can't be happier. This nursery is by far my favorite through the years and they have consistenly delivered good plants. Can't recommend them enough. |
| Positive | congminglaoshi
Tuckahoe, NY
(28 reviews)
May 18, 2010 | I ordered a few kinds of camellia (including tea) seeds a couple of months ago. The seeds arrived in great shape, and now I have several nice seedlings growing. Its not easy to find camellia seeds, and even harder to find seeds that have been stored properly before shipping (they will dry out and die if stored improperly for too long). Great products, service, and germination, what's not to like! |
| Positive | BJames1
Elizabeth City, NC
(Zone 8a)
(6 reviews)
May 17, 2010 | Although I have yet to find a permanent planting place for the plants I ordered earlier in year (I can be a compulsive plant fanatic sometimes), the quality of plant material that arrived at my door was superb! The combination of neatly & caringly packaged plants as well as friendly & quick customer service rates this plant nursery at the top of my list for quality and selection! Camellia Forest Nursery offers an extensive collection of hard-to-find plants--particularly winter-interest plants--at fair prices. I look forward to dealing with this company again in the future. |
| Positive | moth2flame
Derwood, MD
(7 reviews)
April 22, 2010 | I bought a Prunus mume 'Okitsu Akabana' back in 2008 from Camellia Forest. They have a wonderful selection of reasonably priced Asian trees and shrubs (and an unparalleled selection of camellias) and I was delighted to find Prunus mume, which can be difficult to locate. The tree arrived pruned to 3' tall and has now doubled in height. It flowered the second season after planting- fragrant, gorgeous gigantic flowers. I called the company and Dave and his mother were very helpful answering my questions. I'm very satisfied with my purchase and wouldn't hesitate to buy from CF again. |
| Positive | princesskatja
Puyallup, WA
(3 reviews)
April 4, 2010 | I ordered two camellias and a number of camellia seeds from Camellia Forest. The plants were in perfect condition in spite of the distance - they were very well packaged and vigorous, healthy plants. Can't wait to see how they perform in the garden. Instructions for cultivation of both plants and seeds were included. |
| Positive | hessa
DOHA
Qatar
(2 reviews)
March 7, 2010 | I have ordered 22 different Magnolias from Camillia Forest Nursery,.All the plants arrived in excellent condition .
They're very nice, helpful,we had good comunication and I will definitely order from them again .thanks Martine
Hessa |
| Positive | Miss_Huff
Flemington, NC
(Zone 7a)
(7 reviews)
December 31, 2009 | Over the years I've purchased trees, shrubs and camellias from Camellia Forest. Every purchase has been gratifying. The owners are friendly and kind and always offer a sophisticated and varied group of interesting plants in addition to camellias. Prices are a little steep, but not excessive considering the quality of the plant material and it's uniqueness. I've never been unhappy with one transaction. It's always a pleasant experience to visit Camellia Forest: the owners are like old friends. |
| Positive | VA_GARDEN
Hood, VA
(Zone 7a)
(13 reviews)
November 8, 2009 | I ordered 4 camellias and was astonished at how quickly they arrived (in 2 days!). The plants were lovely and lush, and best of all there were no plastic pots. I hate all the non-recyclable pots I end up with at the end of the season, so this was a truly pleasant surprise.
I have a few fall blooming camellias I purchased from Camellia Forest several years ago, and while they took a long time to settle in and bloom, they have developed in to real show stoppers in the fall garden. |
| Positive | restom
Reston, VA
(7 reviews)
October 21, 2009 | I have ordered camellias from Camellia Forest Nursery for over 20 years. The plants that I planted at my parent's old house are still going strong (camellias are really tough plants once they get established). Camellia Forest is the best in terms of variety and quality. They also have a number of very unusual non-camellia trees and shrubs (e.g., Emmenopterys henryi) that I haven't seen anywhere else. Thanks Camellia Forest! |
| Positive | PamelaQ
Navarre, FL
(Zone 8b)
(22 reviews)
June 15, 2009 | I received my 'Kagirohi’ Camellia and it was very healthy and over 4' tall. I was very happy with this high quality camellia and would recommend 'Camellia Forest Nursery' to anyone! |
| Positive | SuthernKitten
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6a)
(2 reviews)
June 11, 2009 | I ordered a 3 yr old Autumn Spirit Cold Hardy camellia on May 6th. I grew up in the Camellia belt, but now live further north. I had some questions about the differences in care for the north vs. south and David Parks was kind enough to swap several emails with me loaded with information and the answers to all my questions. He helped me choose the "right" camellia and planting spot for my zone. The Camellia arrived in beautiful condition (not one lost leaf or broken twig). These folks really know how to pack a plant for shipment!!! It's been in the ground a little over a month and is doing beautifully. It has lots of new growth and I can't wait to see it bloom. Now I just have to figure out if I have room for MORE!!! |
| Positive | mtilton
Ada, OK
(Zone 7a)
(6 reviews)
June 10, 2009 | I ordered five camellia plants from Camellia Forest Nursery which I'm very pleased with. Excellent packaging and prompt shipment. |
| Positive | adadia
Glenmoore, PA
(Zone 6b)
(24 reviews)
April 17, 2009 | Excellent, healthy plants! All three little leaf tea camellias I ordered were received in perfect condition, and I was very pleased by the size; I ordered two-year plants, but they are much bigger than I expected. Packaging was also excellent, the rootballs were still moist and no leaves were lost from shipping stress. Overall, a great experience. |
| Positive | grandpa_boris
Palo Alto, CA
(2 reviews)
April 2, 2009 | remarkably good packing and packaging. the plants arrived in superb health. within a couple of weeks they are already sending up new leaves. i am very pleased with the quality of their plants and how carefully and inventively they packaged them. |
| Positive | doxiedr
Burlington, NC
(7 reviews)
January 19, 2009 | Truly excellent trees and shrubs and friendly service make this a top notch nursery. I've both mail ordered and visited in person, and have been impressed each time. Some of the trees I've purchased, such as cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' and aesculus x splendens (hybrid red buckeye), are tough to find plants that can be eye-poppingly priced. But not only did I find them, they were very reasonably priced at $20 and $10, respectively, and had huge healthy root systems. Both of these--and the dozen or so other shrubs and trees I've purchased from Camellia Forest--are thriving in my garden. If you're looking for healthy and tough-to-find plants at reasonable prices, you can't go wrong with this company.
Company representative comment on March 18, 2009:
On Mar 18, 2009 9:33 AM, Camellia Forest Nursery responded with:Thank you for your kind words, I enjoyed reading all the positive responses for our nursery. We are having Open House this coming weekend.
Kai Mei
Camellia Foreset Nursery |
| Positive | juanwillis
Winchester, MA
(Zone 6a)
(28 reviews)
November 1, 2008 | I ordered a 3-year-old Camellia 'Survivor' this spring. The plant they shipped me was of excellent size and condition and has grown vigorously all season. It now has 20+ lovely blooms--I'm extremely happy with Camellia Forest Nursery! |
| Positive | slichtyler
Hillsborough, NC
(Zone 7b)
(6 reviews)
October 7, 2008 | Two years ago, I purchased four camellias from Camellia Forests (about $200 total, in 3-gallon and 5-gallon sizes). The camellias have been spectacular - blooming their first year, the second year (except for the one that the deer nibbled on), and they're preparing for a winter display again. (My favorite is the "Black Tie" variety - large, perfect, deep red flowers; like a perfect rose or a perfect dahlia.) I'm very pleased; visitors are always impressed.
Camellia Forests has an amazing selection of beautiful plants, in all sizes. In my opinion, it's the *one* place to shop for camellias. |
| Positive | rap10
New Hyde Park, NY
(3 reviews)
May 4, 2008 | Received 2 camellias - Ashton's Ballet - in perfect condition. The packaging was the best I have seen. Potted perfectly and at a shipping charge that was so low for the quality, I was amazed. The shrubs were at least the size described and are now sending off new growth. If you see a plant you want, but need a larger size, just ask. They may have it in stock. That's what happened on my order. I was able to order the largest size that is available even though it was not listed. Unless you are in the "camellia zone" belt you will never be able to find the selection of plants that are hardy for the northern zones from any other source- even your local nursery. |
| Positive | bostondon
Roslindale, MA
(3 reviews)
April 25, 2008 | I ordered 6 cold-hardy camellias, which arrvived promptly, with some of the most secure packaging I have ever seen. The plants are very healthy, and a good size, too. This has been an excellent experience and I will order from Camellia Forest again. |
| Positive | patnjbob
Blossom, TX
(23 reviews)
July 12, 2007 | Absolutely the most gorgeous plants you can order. I couldn't believe the size and the packaging was perfect. He actually put a flower in for me to see one of the plants blooms. I bought according to what he suggested. I will go back again and again. The plants were potted to hold for fall planting. Normally I would never plant first year pots directly but these are so gorgeous that I will put them in this fall. They are growing like weeds and never lost one leaf. I bought three of the different calycanthus and then two orange flowered sweet olives. Just can't say enough good about this company. Don't be afraid to order the larger plants, I did and WOW. |
| Positive | Veramarie
Jamestown, IN
(5 reviews)
April 27, 2007 | This was my first order with Camellia Forest, and I could not be more pleased!
I ordered two camellias for the very reasonable price of $12 each, expecting the 6-12 inch, 1-2 qt. size that they described. Of course, they do say that prices are based on age and sizes can vary, but I was still pleased when my plants arrived at 10 and 14 inches, and with gallon-size root balls.
My Calycanthus 'Venus' also arrived even further beyond my expectations in terms of size, since I ordered the smaller of the two options at $16. It arrived at an impressive 24 inches tall, with a hefty root system that would require a 2-gallon pot to contain it. This made me all the more gleeful, considering that I had originally ordered the same plant (under the name Sinocalycanthus 'Venus') at Wayside Gardens last July before I found it at Camellia Forest. I paid $30 for a 4-inch pot (!!), but it wound up backordered all the way until this spring, so I cancelled it. So glad I did, now that I have an enormous, healthy plant several times larger for half the cost! |
| Positive | tbuff
Canton, GA
(31 reviews)
December 7, 2006 | I used to order from them back in the 90's. Their quality back then was excellent and it still is. My recent order arrived in good condition and the plants were very healthy. David is a wealth of information and the nursery is a great source of rare plants. Definitely worth a trip if you are a collector. |
| Positive | plant_collector
Oak Ridge, TN
(12 reviews)
October 16, 2006 | I have purchased plants from CFN for many years both in person and ordering by mail. Their plants are always of reasonable size and moderate cost and have generally done well in my zone 7 garden. This coming weekend (Oct. 20-22) they will have an open house and I would encourage anyone interested in Camellias and other less common woody plants to pay them a visit. |
| Positive | tyler70006
New Orleans, LA
(3 reviews)
May 10, 2006 | I ordered 4 types of Tea plants in April. They arrived very quickly, packaged well and healthy. They have been growing well and I expect by next summer they should be a good size to pick some leaves. They have an incredable number of plants to choose from and seem to be experts in Camellia's. All nurserys should be run like this one. |
| Positive | Campfiredan
Alachua, FL
(Zone 8b)
(8 reviews)
May 5, 2006 | Called in my order a couple days ago. Since they stop shipping on May 10th I didn't trust sending it to them though the mail since it might have gotten there late. Rermarkably I got the order today. They must have shipped it as soon as I hung up! The tea plants I ordered all arrived in good shape and I'm very happy to now have seven nice varieties of tea plant in very good condition. |
| Positive | purplepinkpolka
Leesburg, VA
(14 reviews)
April 20, 2006 | I just got my first order today and I'm quite pleased. The plants tops were considerably bigger than I expected. In particular, the ume plants were a good size, 4-5' tall. Everything was nicely packed.
This is a very nice nursery with a great selection, esp. of camellia and ume. The owners are very knowledgable, nice and quite responsive. Shipping is quite reasonable given the size of the plants. |
| Positive | magnolia_fan
Mason, OH
(7 reviews)
March 27, 2006 | One of the best family owned nurseries. Beautiful camellias arrived in blossom, exceeded my expectation. Great customer service and communications. David's nursery is one of the best places to mail order camellias. |
| Positive | beazert
Decatur, TX
(2 reviews)
March 9, 2006 | Received my first order today. The gardenias were lush and huge. Prices very reasonable. Will definitely order again! |
| Positive | tucker303
Denver, CO
(8 reviews)
February 2, 2006 | Got an order today. Superior packaging! Healthy plants! Robust beyond my expectation! Wonderful customer service! What more can I say? As a first time mail order buyer...I will order again! |
| Positive | karlk
Greenville, NC
(2 reviews)
October 2, 2005 | Visited the nursery during their open house. Great plants, very nice people. They had everything in stock that I had selected on their website and were very helpful answering my many questions. Reasonable prices, highly recommended. |
| Positive | Yuechen
Harrison, NJ
(2 reviews)
July 24, 2005 | I picked up my plants from Camellia forest in April.
All were healthy and strong at that time. Now they grow
well on my garden, produce a lot of buds. Good people,
good nursery and good plants. |
| Positive | cynthiaferrell
Trenton, NJ
(Zone 7a)
(4 reviews)
May 24, 2005 | Very helpful staff. Fast shipping and EXTREMELY HEALTHY and robust camellias. |
| Positive | NeilTR
Nashville, TN
(Zone 7a)
(8 reviews)
April 7, 2005 | Placed order last week and it arrived yesterday. Beautiful healthy-looking plants larger and bushier than I was expecting. I will definitely order from them again. |
| Positive | Missyinbama
Fredericksburg, VI
(Zone 7a)
(34 reviews)
April 3, 2005 | My order was filled well- although they were out of a few rare plants I really wanted for my garden, the camellia substitutions were great. I love the peacock camellia! All of the plants were healthy, well packaged, and shipped quickly. I will definitely order from here again!
On November 5th, 2005, Missyinbama added the following:
Just placed an additional fall order- all the plants were in stock. Yea! The shipper did a number on the box, it was partly torn and the top was hanging open, but everything inside was still in good shape. A highly recommended nursery! |
| Neutral | gowron
Athens, GA
(38 reviews)
March 9, 2005 | I placed an order with Camellia Forest for the first time last week and just received it. Shipping was very fast and the quality of the plants (two rare conifers) excellent. Highly reccommended.
On October 5th, 2005, gowron added the following:
End of summer update: the plants that I received and planted last spring did very well. I just received another order, filled with rare plants of superb quality. They have my highest reccommendation.
On May 1st, 2009, gowron changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
After a couple of years, I must regrettably downgrade my rating to "Neutral". I have only bought conifers from them, so these comments do not necessarily apply to camelias and other of their plants - I just have no experience with them. But, as for conifers, some of the plants that I received (Taxus chinensis, Taiwania cryptomeroides) where of good size for the price and have grown very well. Most others were VERY SMALL for the price and I have done my best to nurture them. Some are barely hanging on, others have died. Let me add that I am experienced in growing rare conifers (and hardy palm trees) , so I know a problem plant when I see one. I suppose that buying on site would be fine, but I am unlikely to mail order again from them. |
Visit Camellia Forest Nursery at:
Positive
Neutral
Negative