If contacting us by email, please give us a day or two to get back to you. We make every effort to answer our emails promptly, but during busy times our email volume can be excessive. Email us at service@bluestoneperennials.com
- Are all the plants you grow offered on the Net?
- Bluestone Guarantee?
- What is a Perennial?
- How old are the plants when shipped?
- What size are the plants when shipped?
- What size are the containers?
- What plants will do well in my zone?
- What hardiness zone am I in?
- My plants just arrived. What should I do now?
- How late in the fall can I plant my order?
- How early in the spring can I plant my order?
- Where do your plants come from?
- How often should I water?
- Should I use an overwintering mulch?
- How do I care for my Clematis?
- Can I overwinter perennials in a container?
- I'm not ready to plant my bulbs - what should I do?
- How old are the plants when shipped?
- What size are the plants when shipped?
- My plants just arrived. What should I do now?
- Can I request a specific shipping time?
- How long will it take to receive my order?
- When will my order be shipped?
- How much will shipping cost?
- Do you have a privacy policy?
- Is your site finished?
- Are all the plants you grow offered on the Net?
- How can I correct my email address on your subscription service?
- How can I use my coupons online?
- How do I receive promotional codes and coupons?
- How can I save a cart for future reference?
- What does the specials tag mean?
- What does "Value Priced! No Discounts Apply" mean?
- How can I redeem my Gift Certificate on line?
- How/When is my bankcard processed?
PLANT QUESTIONS
Are all the plants you grow offered on the Net?
No, but close. We are still balancing the size of our electronic catalog with the time it takes to access the information. We currently have about 95% of our varieties on our site. You are welcome to call if you don't see a variety you want, we are probably growing it. If you are looking for an item from last year's catalog that is not on the site, call us, we may have a limited supply available.
We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee. If you are not satisfied, we will reship or refund immediately. We want you happy because we want to stay in business.
A perennial is a plant that will live multiple growing seasons, unlike an annual which grows, sets seed, and dies all in one season. Their flowering time is not as long as an annual because the plant must take time out to gather enough strength to overwinter, but the range of flowering times, colors, heights, foliage color, and textures, make for a fascinating plant pallet to work with.
How old are the plants when shipped?
Our standard "jumbo" pak will be 6 to 12 months old. Our "larger pots" (Garden phlox, Hostas, Day lilies, etc) will be 12 to 16 months old. Our shrubs will be 12 to 18 months old.
What size are the plants when shipped?
Jumbo 3 paks are 2.25" x 3" deep, and sold in sets of 3 plants. Ordering codes are 4 or 5 letters plus an S. A vast majority of our perennials are in this size.
Larger Pots are 3 1/2" x 5" deep, and are sold individually. Ordering codes are 4 letters plus a P.
Shrubs are 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" deep, and are sold individually. Ordering codes are 4 letters plus a P.
The plant tops will vary in height by variety, but if they are taller than 6-8" we normally have to cut them back to fit in our boxes. This does not harm the plant in any way, and actually helps to promote a bushier, fuller plant.
We usually grow all our own plants, but occasionally we have to buy plants from other nurseries. Their sizes may not exactly match ours.
What plants will do well in my zone?
Please treat hardiness zone ratings on perennials as a best guess, but only a guess. Many factors influence plant survivability: reliable snow cover, wind swept location, proximity of structures, depth of soil, just to name a few.
Most books dealing with plants, catalogs, even our site (just a click on our online catalog section will show you a hardiness map), will have a U.S.A. map depicting the climate zones. Use our handy zip code search to find your hardiness zone based on your zip code in the online catalog section of our site.
My plants just arrived. What should I do now?
You should unpack the plants, and remove any packing material. Place the plants in a shady spot, and water it thoroughly. They should perk up overnight if looking wilted. You can plant right away or let them catch their breath for 3-4 days, then plant them in the ground, again watering thoroughly. Plants can actually be maintained in their Bluestone pots/paks for several days, just keep them moist and in dappled light. Any questions, just give us a call. Our 100% guarantee assures your happiness.
How late in the fall can I plant my order?
The plants need 6 weeks of growing to anchor themselves in the ground and to get ready for winter. We ship in the Fall from late August to early November. The farther north you are the sooner you would want to receive your order.
How early in the spring can I plant my order?
With the exception of the chrysanthemums and the herbs, the plants will be able to handle a heavy frost to a light freeze. It is much better to plant your order than to hold it until all threats of bad weather are past. If in doubt, let us advise you as to the best time for your area.
Where do your plants come from?
We are one of the last nurseries on a national scale which propagates, grows, and then ships its own material. We do buy in some of our stock, but basically it is all done here.
Your goal should be a self sufficient flower border. If you water everyday, you will always have to water everyday. Normally, 1" of water a week, either from you or Mother Nature the first year is enough. You want it to soak deeply so that the plants will send their roots down to look for water. The second year you can water every other week, more often just to help them through droughts, or if wilting before lunchtime.
Most perennials won't be truly outstanding until their second year. They will be too busy growing their first year to flower at their fullest. As a rule of thumb though:
Spring flowering varieties will flower before shipping.
Summer flowering varieties will put on 2/3 of a show usually 6 wks later their first season.
Fall flowering varieties will almost reach full size, and put on a nice show their first year. Mums will reach full size and full flower their first year.
Should I use an overwintering mulch?
In most cases, no, you should not cover your plants for the wintertime. A protective mulch (salt marsh hay, pine boughs, straw, etc.) can be applied after the ground is frozen, and removed with the first thaw. Here in the Midwest that is very hard to do - since we typically have a December thaw, a January thaw, and Feb. and March thaws. The biggest killer of perennials is having the crown of the plant smother (or rot) in the late winter/ early spring. Overwintering mulch put on too soon, or left on too long will do this. Exceptions would be areas with extreme cold and little snowcover. Or when plant material is way outside of its normal climate range. (i.e. 2 or more zones away.) We never use mulch here in Northern Ohio, and never lose plants to Old Man Winter. Decorative mulch such as cedar is another issue. While convenient for weed control and appearances, it's depth should be no deeper than necessary to discourage the weeds, and it should NEVER be raked over the crown of the plants for the winter. The jury is still out on decorative mulch as it can harbor insects and plant diseases, but it's use is so prevalent now that we address it here. Our best advice for your plants is to avoid excessive decorative mulch, and plant your garden so that it will fill in.
How do I care for my Clematis?
Clematis are the Queens of the Climbers, prized for their incredible flowers. They will train onto trellises, fences, or arch over doorways. They only need to have their roots shaded and their flowers in the sun. Stunning when used alone or when several colors are mixed. Pruning Types are noted in both the printed catalog and the online catalog.
Type 1 - Flowers are produced from old stems, so pruning is done immediately after flowering has stopped. Prune by removing all dead and weak stems immediately after flowering. Larger, older plants (over 15') are normally not pruned, especially if growing in trees. Tie stems into place after flowering. New growth will begin, and these are the stems for next year's flowers.
Type 2 - In this group all first flowering comes from last season's ripening stems. In early Spring watch for swelling leaf buds beginning to show. Cut all dead material off above these swelling buds. Be sure all growth is tied to the trellis, etc. at this time. Do not tie too tightly, so growth will not be hampered or cracked by tying too tight.
Type 3 - This group blooms later and from new growth. These should be pruned in February or March as new leaf buds begin to show low on the plant. Also remove all dead material above the buds and clean out any old or mildewed foliage at this time.
Can I overwinter perennials in a container?
Almost every plant we grow will be okay in a container for one season. The difficulty comes in wintering over the container. Since the roots are now "above ground" in the container, the moderating effect of the soil's warmth is lost. Either transplant the perennials into your fall border, or sink the entire container in the ground. In mid zones, you might get away with protecting the container with hay bales, or by placing the container along the sheltered foundation of your house.
I'm not ready to plant my bulbs - what should I do?
Our bulbs occasionally arrive early from Europe. Our customers with warmer weather should wait until late in September or early October to plant them (when the ground cools off). Soil temperature below 60 degrees is a good rule of thumb. Store them in your garage or basement. Any place with cool (50-60 degrees F) with good air circulation with do.
SHIPPING QUESTIONS
How old are the plants when shipped?
Our standard "jumbo" pak will be 6 to 12 months old. Our "larger pots" (Garden phlox, Hostas, Day lilies, etc) will be 12 to 16 months old. Our shrubs will be 12 to 18 months old.
What size are the plants when shipped?
Jumbo 3 paks are 2.25" x 3" deep, and sold in sets of 3 plants. Ordering codes are 4 or 5 letters plus an S. A vast majority of our perennials are in this size.
Larger Pots are 3 1/2" x 5" deep, and are sold individually. Ordering codes are 4 letters plus a P.
Shrubs are 3 1/2" x 4" deep, and are sold individually. Ordering codes are 4 letters plus a P.
The plant tops will vary in height by variety, but if they are taller than 6-8" we normally have to cut them back to fit in our boxes. This does not harm the plant in any way, and actually helps to promote a bushier, fuller plant.
My plants just arrived. What should I do now?
You should unpack the plants, and remove any packing material. Place the plants in a shady spot, and water it thoroughly. They should perk up overnight if looking wilted. You can plant right away or let them catch their breath for 3-4 days, then plant them in the ground, again watering thoroughly. Plants can actually be maintained in their Bluestone pots/paks for several days, just keep them moist and in dappled light. Any questions, just give us a call. Our 100% guarantee assures your happiness.
Can I request a specific shipping time?
Yes, you may select the week of arrival, and even the day it leaves here if you wish. Or you can let us select the best time for your area. Mention your request on the checkout page.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We normally give you a two week window in which to expect your plants. If spring has arrived to your area and we are currently shipping to your area, you will receive your order within 10 days of ordering. If it is late in the spring, we are usually shipping the next day, avoiding weekend layovers. Also see the question below about requesting specific shipping times. Call our office with any questions.
When will my order be shipped?
We normally ship as follows based on the recommended planting time for your area:
Zone 3,4 - Mid May
Zone 5 - Late April / Mid May Zone 6 - Mid to Late April Zone 7 - Late March to Mid April Zone 8 - Late March / Early April Zone 9 and warmer - Late March Due to the weather in NE Ohio, we are not able to ship before the end of March. If you book in advance, the preceeding dates apply, and you will receive a post card or email indicating your shipping time. If you order during the season, your order usually ships within 10 days, often faster. If you prefer to indicate a ship week, please note it in the comments section of the check out page and we will comply. We usually take a break from shipping from mid June to late August as the plants do not typically transport well due to the heat. FALL SHIPPING DATES BY ZONE: We normally ship plants as follows based on the recommended planting time for your area: Zone 2,3,4 - Late August to Early September Zone 5 - Early September Zone 6 - Mid September Zone 7 - Mid to Late September Zone 8,9,10 - Late September / Early October BULBS will ship upon their arrival from Holland, usually late September. If you book in advance, the preceeding dates apply, and you will receive a post card indicating your shipping time. If you order during the season, your order usually ships within 10 days, often faster. If you prefer to indicate a ship week, please note it in the comments section of the check out page and we will comply. We ship through to the end of October, weather permitting.Click this link to see how much shipping will cost
ONLINE CATALOG QUESTIONS
Yes we do, you can read all about it here.
No, not ever. It seems we are always working out the bug-du-jour. We are always trying to improve. We update our site regularly. If you experience any problems please let us know. We want this to be easy!
Are all the plants you grow offered on the Net?
No, but close. We are still balancing the size of our electronic catalog with the time it takes to access the information. We currently have about 95% of our varieties on our site. You are welcome to call if you don't see a variety you want, we are probably growing it. If you are looking for an item from last year's catalog that is not on the site, call us, we may have a limited supply available.
How can I correct my email address on your subscription service?
Just subscibe again. Undeliverable addresses are automatically deleted from our service. If you receive a second catalog, please share it with a gardening friend with our compliments.
How do I use my coupons online?
If you have coupons to apply to your order, enter the number of the coupon in Quick Order on the task bar at the top right of your screen. The coupon will appear in your cart. The site will prompt you if you have not met the requirements of the coupon. Once the requirements are met, your coupon will activate. We are always here to take your phone order, if that proves easier. Recycling Credits are not yet programmed for the site, so please enter your recycling credit number in the comments section of the checkout page, and we will adjust the order before charging your card. Again, please don't hesitate to call if this feature is causing you difficulty.
How do I receive promotional codes and coupons?
Coupons are rewards for past purchases and are sent out in our packages along with your plants. Promotional codes are sent out with our printed catalog. They are discounts for placing orders early. Ordering early helps us plan production better and be more efficient. We pass these savings along to you. As always please call us with any questions / concerns / suggestions. 1-800-852-5243.
How can I save a cart for future reference?
You must create an account to save the cart. The account you create tells the site where to store your information. An account can also store your shipping information so that you do not have to fill in the blanks each time you check out. If you do not have an established account, click on Account Sign-In on the task bar at the top of the opening page, and follow the instructions. If you are already logged in and have an established account, you will be asked if you would like to save your cart when you are viewing your cart. Click on Save Cart and follow the instructions. Previously saved carts can be viewed from My Account (on the top task bar) or from Retrieve a Cart from the View Cart tab (on the top task bar). The site will also give you the option to Create and Account or Log In as you begin the checkout process.
What does the specials tag mean? 
This item is specially priced for a limited time. Click on our Specials link on the task bar at the top of every page.
What does "Value Priced! No Discounts Apply" mean?
Our everyday low price on these items is so low that we cannot discount them further, so no promotions apply to these items.
How can I redeem my Gift Certificate on line?
Please mention your Gift Certificate in the comments section as you check out. We will need the number of your certificate and the amount to verify its validity. The site cannot figure in the dollar credit, but we will do it here when we get the order, before your card is charged, and we will notify you of the corrected total via email as soon as we have booked the order on our computers. If this is uncomfortable for you, please don't hesitate to call your order in - we are standing by!
How/When is my bankcard processed?
Bankcards are not processed automatically by the website. We process them from our offices here after your internet order has been received, reviewed, and booked on our in house computer system. This means that if you should happen to select an unavailable item, you will not be billed for it. Bankcards are charged within a day or two of when the plants are ordered.
QUESTIONS ABOUT BLUESTONE
Write to:
Bluestone Perennials, Inc
7211 Middle Ridge Rd.
Madison, OH 44057
Phone: (800) 852-5243
Fax: (440) 428-7198
Email: service@bluestoneperennials.com
Please note if you are contacting us about a past, present, or future order - we need your last name and zip code as that is how we look you up on our system. (customer number or order number is even better!) If asking plant questions it helps to know what part of the country so we can tailor our advice accordingly.
We are open M-F 9:00 to 4:00, with longer hours and Saturdays in the spring. We look forward to hearing from you.
Bluestone is a family owned and operated business founded in 1972. We grow and ship over 3 million plants a year nationwide.
Yes, although we do not have display gardens, we do have thousands of visitors come and browse our mail-order setup. We're located half-way between Cleveland, Ohio and Erie, Pennsylvania. It's a great way to see 900+ varieties all alphabetized on tables. We also have herbs, mums, shrubs, bedding annuals, hanging baskets, and in the fall, bulbs. Find out where we're located! Or you can take our new virtual tour.
Where do your plants come from?
We are one of the last nurseries on a national scale which propagates, grows, and then ships its own material. We do buy in some of our stock, but basically it is all done here.
What is your printed catalog like?
Lovely, a masterpiece! (Can you tell we write our catalog?) It is chock full of pictures, information, recommendations for far north or southern areas. It is almost 100 pages, and is good for spring or fall seasons. Our aim is to have a picture on the website for every plant, where our printed catalog has featured pictures. Many people like to use the website, and the printed catalog together. You can request a catalog on almost every page of our site.
GIFT QUESTIONS
Can you send a gift to a friend?
We do offer gift certificates for giving anytime. If you would like to make a present of our perennials to a family member or a friend, we will send them an enclosure card with your personalized message and a catalog with the gift certificate. We also have pre-planned prepared gardens which make excellent gifts. They are acknowledged to your friends with a personalized gift card, if desired, and with a full write-up of the plants along with instructions for soil preparation and planting. The plants themselves and a second set of instructions follow at the proper planting time for their area. To order any of these gardens, see our Pre-planned Gardens page.
How can I redeem my Gift Certificate on line?
Please mention your Gift Certificate in the comments section as you check out. We will need the number of your certificate and the amount to verify its validity. The site cannot figure in the dollar credit, but we will do it here when we get the order, before your card is charged, and we will notify you of the corrected total via email as soon as we have booked the order on our computers. If this is uncomfortable for you, please don't hesitate to call your order in - we are standing by!