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On May 17, 2007, nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) wrote:
I recently ordered 3 plants from White Flower Farm. I placed the order on 5-3-07 and received 5-9-07. They get high marks for the speed of delivery.
I loved their packing. No mess! The plants were dry by the time they got to Indiana, but it was extremely warm too. They were also smaller than I had expected.
WFF will not be my first choice simply because of their prices. The plants I got were Agastache "Acapulco Orange". They cost me $28.95 plus $9.95 for shipping for a total of $38.90. To expensive for what I got.
On May 13, 2007, SteveIndy Greenwood, IN (Zone 5b) wrote:
I have ordered from WFF many times over the past few years. I agree with some of the other reviewers that I don't understand all of the negative reviews, since my experience with their plants at least has always been positive. I have found their bulbs to always be top-notch and well packaged and they've always performed well. Ordered some perennials this year and they are growing very well and were of good size...was a color and type I could not find anywhere else. I have ordered some rose bushes from them in the past which performed better than any others I have purchased. Their products at least are high caliber. I wish they had more stuff for southern gardeners though - most of their plants are geared towards nothern climates.
I have been ordering from White Flower Farm for for over 20 years. I agree they tend to be a bit more expensive on some items, but the quality of the stock and customer service is outstanding. I have agapanthus that I bought from them at least 10 years ago, and still going strong, beautiful blooms every summer, hardy plants that I have divided and given out to many of my gardening friends. I have purchased at least 2000 daffodils for naturalizing from them (I have a large piece of property) and they are beautiful, reliable, large healthy bulbs. Can I get bulbs cheaper elsewhere? yes and the results have never been as good as from WFF. I have had the occassional problem with a plant, but customer service has fallen all over themselves to make it right. I haven't found that to be true with other mail order or even local nurseries. They are a great company with good products. And if you are ever in the vicinty of this garden center, it is worth a visit!!
I'm happy to say I seem to be bucking the trend in dissatisfaction with WWF. I placed my order this spring without trepidation, as I've ordered from them before with no problem. The plants I received, although expensive, were an acceptable size compared to other mailorder nurseries'--smaller than some, but bigger than others--and in excellent condition. Their ingenious packing is the best I've seen--no peanuts, shredded paper, or other filler flying all over the place! In my experience, their customer service is also excellent.
I have been ordering from WFF for a long time, close to 25 years. Through 1999, they were the best, always sending me beautiful, healthy plants. They went downhill starting in 2000, sending me the wrong plants, poorly packed plants, dried out plants, etc. But last year and this year they have really improved. I ordered 6 milkweed, and 12 verbena from them for this year and received really large bareroot milkweeds that have all come up, and large healthy verbenas very securely packed. So, based on my experience, I would recommend them.
On Apr 27, 2007, mdgrower Fort George G Meade, MD wrote:
I've been ordering from WFF for 5 years and I've had consistently good results. So far I've planted several hundred daffodils, tulips, ornamental grasses, beautiful zinnias, and numerous shade-loving plants...everything has flourished! Plants/bulbs are top quality compared to those available at the outdoor departments of the local retail "big box" stores or from the local nurseries. Great company!
On Apr 2, 2007, CapeCodGardener Mid-Cape, MA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered several double-flowered amaryllis bulbs in wicker baskets to be delivered as gifts for this past Christmas. My friends reported that they produced big plants with beautiful, large blooms that kept on flowering until late-March. I thought they were worth the price.
I should add that I have also had only good experiences with the bulbs and plants I have ordered over the past two years, in terms of their packing, as well as their performance in my garden.
First I should write that I've lived close-by to WFF for some 30+ years and love to just visit the grounds in order to get ideas and/or to choose something with my own little hands.
Truthfully, but rarely, I have gotten a mislabeled variety. This is probably an unavoidable consequence of the public reading labels and shoving plants around.
Any complaints have always been dealt with in a fair, respectful manner and I look forward once again to scouting out the display gardens.
The staff is unfailingly courteous and knowledgeable.
Their web site has more varieties than the catolog and is quite beautiful and easy to use.
In fact, I have WFF to thank for the development and elevation of my gardening ability and enjoyment.
White Flower is probably one of the priciest plant companies but they have some great plants and unusual plants. Their catalog is easily one of the most beautiful and informative ones out there. I order every spring and fall from them and have nothing but great things to say about them.
On Dec 14, 2006, JenniferLuther Grove City, PA (Zone 5b) wrote:
I have ordered from this company a few times this year. The mos recent was in the past week. They are a little pricey, but I have received excellent plants. The past week, I ordered Jasmine on Monday night, 8:00PM. I recieved e-mail that it shipped on Tuesday and I got it today, Thursday. I don't know what else you could ask for. Good healthy plant, excellent packaging. Thank You, White Flower.
On February 20th, 2007, JenniferLuther added the following:
In regards to this company being pricey. I have found items being $10.00 more than Wayside, but the same plant from Whiteflower is always twice the size.
On Nov 16, 2006, Sootfoot5 Mobile, AL (Zone 8b) wrote:
I have been ordering from this company for several years, and I have had nothing but good experiences. They have recently been running a daylily special that is out of this world. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is into daylilies but doesn't care if they have the named ones or not. I have, thus far, bought EIGHT of these $65 daylily specials- there are supposed to be 18 daylilies in each group, but there is often 19 or 20, and some of the roots are as big as my hand with the fingers spread completly apart! I bought the first one early last spring and the flowers popped up almost immediately - WOW. Ruffles, bi- colors, you name it. I have bought mixes from other companies that take 3 years to do this well. They claim this mix is the rejects from some hybridizer who wants to remain nameless - well, I'm thrilled with his rejects! As for the other plants, I've always had good luck with their clemetis, their pulonaira is the only one that didn't die on me (I live in 8b) and in fact, they are one of the few companies that are consistent in listing their plants in the a/b zones- a blessing for us here in the Gulf Coast. They further carry very large bulbs, and also carry the smaller, landscape type bulbs at a reasonable price. I'm sure that like every company they make mistakes, but they've never made one with me. I give them an A+. PS- my husband says the daylily roots are more like the size of HIS hands with the fingers spread apart!
On Jul 30, 2006, hathaway Virginia Beach, VA wrote:
I have ordered from WFF for years and have been pleased with the quality and size of the plants and also with their making good on anything that was amiss. One year there was a problem with a plant from WFF and also one from Wayside Gardens, and the matter was rectified immediately by WFF, whereas Wayside fought me for a long time before crediting my Visa account.
I have spent a ton of money at WFF and have been extremely pleased with their quality and customer service. Their plants (particularly their bulbs--outstanding and huge!) are always top notch and in great shape when I receive them. In the random event that something doesn't survive (as with my poppies a year ago) they glady replaced the plants that had died and I even had one of their customer service employees call me back numerous times to keep me posted on the status of my order. I sometimes get discouraged that their supply runs out so fast and I wish they had a larger supply of certain items, but I just keep telling myself that it's something that I'll order next year! Overall they're a quality establishment and I'll keep ordering from them every year!
On Jun 4, 2006, carolrees Arlington, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
On 3/30/06 I ordered the Woodside Daylilly Mix. They arrived bareroot. I planted them and all are thriving.
On 4/24/06 I ordered 1 thalictrum black stockings, 2 lavatera red plum, and 3 tiarella candy stripper. All arrived in good condition and are thriving.
On 4/28/06 I ordered 6 sedum spectabile brilliant & 1 baptisia twilight prairieblues. All arrived in great condition and are all thriving.
I have ordered from them in the past and all have been positive experiences. They are a bit pricy but the plants have always come well packaged and in good condition. Plus some of the items I've ordered from them I couldn't find elsewhere. I would definitely order from them again.
On May 9, 2006, bbrookrd nantucket, MA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered plants this spring from WFF and to actually compare price and quality, I ordered on the same day identical plants costing the same amount from Dutch Garden. Hands down WFF's plants were twice the size and considerably healthier. I have planted them under the same condition and will watch further. However, I still think that it makes more sense to seek out their plants sold through other garden centers as they differently are a better deal than the mail order plants bought directly from WFF. I found a nice collection of their plants at the garden center in Hyannis and see on WFF website a lists of other dealers selling their plants. However I would rate them a positive for the service, selection and health of what I received. I will order bulbs from them on others positive recommendation in the fall. Patti
I used to work for White Flower Farm on the farm and in the mail order and I'm suprised at some of the comments and all I can say is keep calling back - if you are not happy with something call till you get an answer you want. Speak with a suprivsor. But the thing is you have to do it right away....
On Apr 27, 2006, pollyk Hannibal, NY (Zone 6a) wrote:
I ordered 3 daylilies, and one catmint. All were large, bareroot. Packing was a little odd for the three daylilies, wet shredded paper, enclosed in plastic, however all are in good shape. No problems at all with this order.
The prices are a little higher than other sites, but they have great combinations (see catalog) and the good-sized plants arrived in beautiful condition. Their packaging is ingenious.
I don't recall if I had any problems with ordering. I definitely credit them with my beautiful containers last summer.
On Apr 9, 2006, Dona_Lee Goodlettsville, TN (Zone 6b) wrote:
Have ordered from WFF for years. As with any plant purchase, some are not so good for the price. However, their bulbs are the best I've found! WFF is the only place I buy bulbs and I buy lots of bulbs! I don't find the price of their bulbs high, based on size, condition and results. Packing is great, instructions are great and the flowers are wonderful.
On Mar 28, 2006, frauhedgehog Hampstead, NH (Zone 5b) wrote:
Plants arrived last fall in good condition at the correct time, bareroot and potted hostas and a variety of bulbs. Plants were well protected with biodegradable packing material (shredded newspaper), and bareroot plants had well-developed root systems. Bulbs were twice as big as any others I've ever seen. Planting instructions were excellent. Bulbs are doing well (too early to tell about the hostas) . My previous order was a gift certificate for a friend, who bought an old rose that still thrives years later in her harsh-climate seaside garden. I've kept the catalog handy for years for its excellent information and attractive photos. Website is easy to use.
On Feb 26, 2006, jhuot South Windsor, CT (Zone 6a) wrote:
Undoubtably they have one of the nicer catalogs that I receive. In their beautiful collection of pictures, I came across the Flora Danica rose and could not resist temptation, so I ordered them in time for spring. They were delivered in nice shape, and then flowered nicely that very first season. The roses certainly lived up to my expectations, so I will probably buy from them again.
I ordered a gardenia and jasmine plant and two dozen paperwhites in December 2005. The paperwhites were outstandingly fragrant--I had to put them in separate rooms because the fragrance would wallop you over the head. The jasmine plant gave off a few blooms but I suspect that the shock of changing locations traumatized it; I pruned it and transplanted it and it is sending off new vines.
I had a problem with the gardenia. It shriveled up within two days and I spent the next month trying to revive it but no luck. At first, I was going to post a negative rating but then I emailed the company and received a response that day:
We are sorry to hear that the gardenia has given you trouble. We are in the process of setting you up to receive a replacement Gardenia plant. However, we do not plan to start shipping these again until early to mid February. That shipping time will also be weather dependent, so if it is too cold we will postpone the delivery time. But, we will get you out a replacement item.
I received my gardenia plant last week and so far, so good. The blooms will open soon and the plant lasted about five days longer than the first one. And no questions asked, no charge for the replacement plant.
I suspect that the higher prices are a reflection of their "no questions asked" replacement policy and gorgeous catalog. Even so, although my first experience wasn't 100% positive, I will definitely order from them again.
On Feb 13, 2006, CatskillDeb Oneonta, NY (Zone 4a) wrote:
I have dealt with White Flower Farms for many years, and have always been pleased with the quality of their plants and customer service. Their beautiful catalog has a lot of information on the varieties they carry. The plants are always packed incredibly well and arrive when expected. I can't always afford to order from them, but do so when possible for some of my plants. Last year I ordered two different Asian lily collections, that I planted in the spring. The bulbs I received were enormous. They were supposed to ship 25 bulbs per collection but somehow shipped 47 or 48 per collection! Amazing! Another item I ordered was a heather collection. When these 12 plants I arrived, I was not able to plant them until about 10 days later. Two of the plants died, which I suspect was my fault. I contacted the company stating the same and asking if I could order replacements for those 2 species to plant in the fall. They sent the plants at no charge, and the plants were even larger than the original ones. I have also had great experience with their daylily and daffodill collections. In summary they cost more than some of the competition but are absolutely worth it, especially for your 'investment' plants.
On Jan 19, 2006, calypsa Plymouth, MI (Zone 5b) wrote:
Overall, my family and I have had good experiences with White Flower Farm. Plants have always arrived at the appropriate time for planting. We have sent several plants from White Flower Farm as gifts because their customer service has always been outstanding for us. If a gift recipient had a problem with something that was delivered, either the recipient or I could call and receive a very quick replacement. Their customer service has always been courteous and respectful.
One thing that I will say is that several of the plants that they ship are smaller than what may be purchased through other mail-order companies, and certainly tend to be smaller than plants which may be procured at local nurseries. For perennials, I haven't found the size to be a problem since the roots are well-developed and the plants have always grown happily and have had time to develop. However, annuals are something that we definitely do not order from White Flower Farm. The catalog is great for getting arrangement and container planting ideas for annuals, but the shrimpy annuals that arrive will not do when the growing time is going to be so short.
All in all, we can definnitely say that we are happy repeat customers, and we'll continue to order perennials from White Flower Farm.
On Jan 19, 2006, cmsobx Kill Devil Hills, NC wrote:
Last spring was my first experience with ordering annuals from White Flower Farms. I live off the beaten path and can't always find what I want in our small garden centers. The plants were healthy and performed well. I'll admit the prices aren't cheap, but I did get what I paid for. The company allows you to request a ship date, so I can get the plants at a good planting time. I will be ordering from them again this spring.
On Oct 13, 2005, missgarney Cullowhee, NC (Zone 6b) wrote:
I have ordered nearly $5000 of merchandise from White Flower Farm over a period of 8 years. The number of plants which did not survive is probably less than five. I am consistently impressed with the root systems on their bareroot plants. Whenever I have had a problem with something, they have made it right. They did send my bulbs and plants for fall planting a bit too early this year, but how could they have known it was going to be weirdly warm until even now? In a non-globally-warmed world, they would have been right. The other thing to be careful of is the plant combinations: I stay away from them because they don't always bloom contemporaneously; maybe this is because of the zone difference.
On Oct 10, 2005, amergina Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6a) wrote:
I made a small order of tulip bulbs from White Flower Farms, via their website. The bulbs arrived safe and sound, in a reasonable amount of time. They look fine (no mold, rot, etc), were of good size for the type of tulip (species) and were well packed.
On October 26th, 2006, amergina added the following:
Edit: 10/25/06 I wanted to add that this mix of species tulips was beautiful. Looks like all of the bulbs came up and they lasted for a long time.
This fall, I ordered a pink daffodil mix, and they came promptly. Again, the bulbs look good.
I have been very pleased with everything I have ordered from White Flower Farm. I have purchased plants, bareroot daylilies, and many bulbs, and I have always found them to be in excellent condition, and approximately 20-30% larger than plants or bulbs from other mail order sources. Plants in pots are also well-rooted, but not rootbound, so if I can't get them planted immediately they aren't wilted after a day or two in their pots. The prices are a bit high, so I don't buy everything from WFF, but if I want to be sure that plants I'm buying through the mail are relatively large, healthy, and vigorous, I order them from WFF.
I have generally had good experiences with White Flower Farm over the years. I particularly like their bulbs, though for some other things I do try to find cheaper elsewhere. I'll continue ordering with this company for certain purchases for now - as always, it's mix-and-match among the catalogs.
On Jun 10, 2005, maura Sparta, TN (Zone 6a) wrote:
I received an email advertisement from White Flower Farm that their popular Daylily Crescendo Collection was on sale for only $49. Since I have some large areas that need new gardens I thought I'd give it a try. The order arrived less than a week later in very good condition, there were 26 daylilies not the 24 they said would be given, and the size of the fans were very large! Order looks great to me. So far so good.
On May 19, 2005, 75751 Fort Mill, SC (Zone 7b) wrote:
I give this company two thumbs up. I've never had a
problem with WFF. I've ordered perennials, bulbs,
shrubs, and roses and have always received healthy,
well packaged plants. I have always received my plants
in a timely manner and thought the communication with
the customer was good. They are a bit pricey, but it's worth it
to me because they have good quality plants and they
have a lot of hard to find items also.
I would highly recommen WFF.
C&NN
On June 18th, 2005, 75751 added the following:
The strawberries and cream asiatic lilies at WFF
are georgeous!! Wonderful color balance of lilies.
C&NNOn May 28th, 2008, 75751 added the following:
I purchased a Blue Paradise Phlox that died soon after
planting. WFF quickly credited my account. Once again,
very pleased with WFF will order again soon.
On May 12, 2005, rdinjian Watertown, MA (Zone 6a) wrote:
Have ordered and received two plants in the last year from WFF, a rose and a lavender, both have been high-quality, good packaging and shipping.
Their phone customer service and help line has been excellent, I used it last week for a question on a plant I didn't even buy from them, and they were very helpful
On May 9, 2005, irishbelle Orange County, NY (Zone 5b) wrote:
I ordered two different types of potted perennials. 10 plants all together. They arrived in perfect condition. The packaging seemed to be expressly made for shipping plants. One problem though -- I was short one plant(snapdragon - summer carnival). I asked for them to send the missing plant, and the helpful customer service rep explained that they only ship in lots of three. So, while a little annoying at first, I got a few extra plants to offset the inconvenience.
On May 3, 2005, gardadore Saylorsburg, PA (Zone 6a) wrote:
In February, 2005 I ordered 3 Euphorbia "Great Dixter" plants. Having read the comments I was a little concerned but decided to take a chance since this is the only nursery I have found in the US to offer these plants. On April 26 I received an e-mail confirming that my order had been shipped. Needless to say I was very disappointed to receive 3 Euphorbia "Fireglow" plants (which I already have) as a subsitution because of a crop failure. I called and the representative agreed I should have been informed of the substitution before shipping. I have since been refunded the cost including the shipping charges and have been told to keep the substituted plants. The plants were in excellent condition and well packed. Despite the initial disappointment I am pleased that this company resolved the problem and was willing to take the loss for their error.
On Apr 25, 2005, Baldwin Newtown, PA (Zone 6a) wrote:
I am a lapsed gardener who is getting back into it this year and have started a large perennial border from scratch. So, I have ordered perennials from a sampling of several different nurseries and can compare White Flower Farm to their competitors. To begin with, I was seduced by this company's ads and their spectacularly beautiful catalog and ordered $200 worth of plants from them. THEN I DISCOVERED DAVE'S GARDEN and almost croaked when I read the many negative reviews that WFF had received. I was regretting my decision to order from this company until the shipment actually arrived. And to sum it up:
1, The plants were the healthiest I have received to date from any company.
2. The packaging was superb. No crumpled up or shredded newspaper, no plastic peanuts. This company uses sturdy cardboard that appears to have been designed especially for shipping potted plants. This kept the plants intact with zero damage to even a single stem or leaf.
3. Their prices were higher than anyone else's, but I'm sure that the packaging adds to their costs and their marketing expenses are probably sky high.
Maybe I just am lucky. I was all set to hate this company but I came away VERY impressed. They obviously spend a lot of time promoting themselves, but they also are excellent nurserymen and grow very healthy plants. I will order from them again next year based on their excellent performance this spring.
On Mar 30, 2005, gardenermark Fredericksburg, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I just received my order from WFF. The two Little Honey hydrangea's, and the Gilt Edge Tricyrtis were in great shape. They by far offer the healthiest plants with the best packaging. While they are a bit pricey on some items I have never been displeased with the end product. This is probably the 5th or 6th year I have dealt with them. Only one year did I have plants that were damaged in shipping. After calling WFF they quickly sent replacements with no hassle. The catalog alone is worth placing a small order from them each year.
I received my order today and I was pleased.I have ordered from WFF for 16 years and have always been satisfied.Contrary to Wayside Gardens from which I also order and who usually send half dead plants with the note that it is not the way theplant looks that matters but the roots. WFF plants are always healthy and green. They do cost more but they are worth it. Also they are the only place besides Antonelli brothers for quality tuberous begonias.
On Mar 17, 2005, gemini_sage Winchester, KY (Zone 6a) wrote:
I placed my first order with WFF last fall for the perennial tulip collection and an orienpet lily 'American West'. Although they are pricy on most items, the tulips were the best price(if you got the collection-12ea of 6 varieties)I was able to find and I do shop around. The lily was $8 ea, but I've still never seen anyone else offer it. The bulbs were large, firm, and healthy, and all the tulips have huge sprouts now. I'm very pleased with the transaction and love their catalogs. I will use them again as I did last fall-when the price is competitive or when offering a variety no one else has.
