Price point is important. I was really PO'd when my Hot Papaya croaked after 2 years. I was expensive, If it had been cheaper, I wouldn't have held a grudge
Name: Bob Kansas...The Land of Ahhhhhs I'm retired Fishing is my job.
Karen, I understand that feeling. Thats why I'm always looking for a bargain. My Sombrero plants that I've only had for a week are still not well and I question their viability. Even with many growth points they may not live. They looked fine when I got them yet they began to fail in 2 days. Thankfully I only paid $3 for each. Unfortunately growth points doesn't mean a healthy plant. I've had greater success online than local. After this experience I'm reluctant to buy from Lowe's next year.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.
The thing is, $3 is a good deal. If the plant doesn't make it, it's not a big loss. On the other hand, if I've paid $20, I'd think that way too pricey for an annual. I'd be PO'd to lose it. Price matters.
Name: Bob Kansas...The Land of Ahhhhhs I'm retired Fishing is my job.
My "budget" is $10 period. I've not paid more than $8 this year and most of mine were bought on sale. Santa Rosa Gardens has a guarantee that if a plant dies or if you are not satisfied then they will replace it. So far I've not lost any of their plants this year. However, last year I had two that arrived in bad shape and they sent new ones. I bought 3 Cheyenne Spirit plants from Garden Harvest Supply last year and they were low quality and died during the winter. I had notified them about the low quality when I received them so I got 3 new plants this year. Yes I get upset if I lose an expensive plant thus the reason why I don't buy them.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.
The place I get the most from charges 15 and their plants are very healthy and have a good amount of growth points. Every year they get 30 plus varieties and back up their plants for a year Not the cheapest , but good plants. A lot better then paying 10 plus shipping for a 4 inch pot.
Name: Bob Kansas...The Land of Ahhhhhs I'm retired Fishing is my job.
A one year warranty is great but finding a nursery with a warranty is not easy. I have 6 nurseries to buy from but none have a warranty. Like I explained before I usually buy sale plants and Santa Rosa only charges $5 flat rate shipping therefore per plant shipping cost isn't high. Lately I've not had good luck with Lowe's plants. I'm happy for you that you can buy good plants at a business that has a guarantee. That's great.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.
My experience with Lowe's plants have also not been good. And I have to admit I am not great about saving receipts, seems I always lose them. I do get plants from Santa Rosa , but selection is not as good as others. Cheyenne Spirits are everywhere around here, so you can always get a good price on them.
Name: Bob Kansas...The Land of Ahhhhhs I'm retired Fishing is my job.
that Santa Rosa has a limited selection but anywhere else online the shipping cost is exorbitant. I'm hoping that Santa Rosa has many new varieties next spring.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.
Name: Bob Kansas...The Land of Ahhhhhs I'm retired Fishing is my job.
All 4 Salsa Red that I bought recently are dead or dieing as is one of 2 Lemon Yellow. One Lemon Yellow will probably be ok and the Hot Coral looks ok. When I was at Lowe's Friday their Salsa Red plants looked terrible. My manager friend is upset with the nursery supplier because she has 48 hours to get a refund. They're losing their shirt on the last two shipments. I'm returning my plants Tuesday. If they have any healthy survivors then I may take them instead of $.
There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.
I'm also hoping that Santa Rosa Garden's has some new varieties for sale. However, I am seriously running out of flower garden space to plant them. Making more flower beds means more work--not sure about that yet.
that Santa Rosa has a limited selection but anywhere else online the shipping cost is exorbitant. I'm hoping that Santa Rosa has many new varieties next spring. 
