How are plants shipped?Updated 3 months ago

Perennial Plant Pot Sizes

Our potted plants are grown and delivered in four sizes:

• Premium Pot (3.5" wide × 5" deep; 1.5 pints)
• Standard Pot (2.5" wide × 3.5" deep)
• Cactus Pot (2.5" wide × 2.5" deep)
• One‑Gallon Pot (6.75" wide × 7" deep)

Check out the "How Our Plants Ship" page for images of all the pot sizes.

About Potted Plants

Depending on the plant and time of year, your plants may arrive in different growth stages.

Most perennials arrive with fresh top growth. We may trim foliage before shipping to reduce stress and encourage root growth after transplanting.

Don’t worry—these vigorous plants have healthy root systems and will regrow quickly once planted. In fall, expect limited top growth while roots establish for next season.

Dormant Plants

Some plants ship dormant—the plant version of sleeping. These slower‑to‑wake varieties have robust roots and crowns; as soils warm, new shoots emerge from the crown. Take care not to damage tiny emerging shoots.

Plant dormant plants right away. Don’t hold them until they break dormancy or up‑pot them. They perform best when planted directly in your garden to wake naturally.

Shipping Shrubs & Small Trees

Early in the season, shrubs and small trees often ship dormant (leafless). Scratch the bark lightly—fresh green tissue indicates vitality. You may see swelling buds. Plant as soon as possible.

Flower Bulbs, Tubers, & Corms

Bulbs contain buds surrounded by stored energy that fuels early growth. With proper care, small bulbs become lush, healthy plants. Follow package instructions for best results.

• Some "bulbs" are technically tubers or corms.
• Healthy bulbs are firm—not mushy. A little surface mold is generally harmless.
• Many bulbs have papery tunics that may flake off—don’t peel them.
• Only soak bulbs if planting instructions specify soaking.
• Bulbs may show buds/shoots; most won’t until planted. Avoid damaging any visible shoots.

Bareroot Plants

Most perennials establish best when grown in pots, with a few exceptions: our Daylilies are sold as bareroot plants. Bareroots have strong roots with the soil removed and arrive wrapped in moist peat moss. Keep peat moist (not soaking) and roots loosely wrapped until planting.

Bareroots may look unimpressive at first, but they spring to life once planted. Look for small buds at the crown or along roots. A light nick with a fingernail should reveal moist tissue.