Is this a good deal for Oriental Poppies

15 years ago

Hi all,

I know SpringHill Nursery doesn't have the greatest reputation. Most liken it to the big box store of online ordering. But I've gotten a few things there that have worked well for me, so I'm not badmouthing them myself.

I just got a sales flyer that advertises a bunch of things that I am not interested in, but one caught my eye. They are advertising 20 Oriental Poppies of 6 varieties for 46.94 including shipping. This comes out to $2.35 per plant which is in my acceptable range for online ordering.

I just want to make sure I'm not missing some obvious reason that this isn't a rip-off. I know these come easily from seeds, but I am not set up for seeds and don't know anyone locally who has these in their garden. So what do you think? Am I being naive and throwing my money away or have I stumbled across a reasonable value for someone looking to add poppies to her garden?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

Lisa

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

runktrun
15 years ago
Lisa,
I have never ordered from SpringHill but knowing their reputation for poor customer service coupled with shipping during the high risk months of July and August I do see a possibility for disappointment. I placed an order from Plant Delights last month, when they were ready to ship a heat wave struck the east coast rather than shipping my order they emailed me that my order was delayed until temps dropped below 90. You might confirm with SpringHill that they guarantee the plants will arrive in good shape. Young oriental poppies will not be happy wrapped up in a hot moist box for long the large leaves will soften and rot quickly. That certainly does sound like a great price for poppies but kind of high for compost. kt
diggingthedirt
15 years ago
LOL, high price for compost is right.

On the other hand, it's possible that these plants will be dormant already, since poppies do that - die back after flowering. That is supposed to be the time to transplant them - when you can't see them. (It's kind of hard to move something you can;t see, which is why my "good" poppies haven't been moved yet.)

My first question, though, would be: What cultivars?

I have some OPs that I would gladly pay you to take away, and $2.35 would be a good deal for me. Some varieties spread like mad and are really not worth the ratty foliage and rotten petals, others are well worth that price.

I'd have to assume SH is selling the rampant ones with a few more desirable ones thrown in (on a one of each basis). If you can see what the cutivars are, it could be a good deal.

Garden centers have a tough time offloading poppies after bloom, since they get so unsightly; I'd start by looking locally for a similar deal on your choice of cultivars. You might be surprised.
Related Discussions
oriental poppies haven't put up fall foliage...
Q
Comments (9)
I think you'll just have to wait until spring and see what happens. It might be the case where the plants were so stressed by all the critter action, they just didn't have the energy to sprout some leaves this fall or they did sprout leaves and the critters destroyed them before you noticed. They still could next spring, but who knows. I haven't grown Oriental poppies for a long time, but when I did and when I finally decided to dig them out and toss them, I had tiny plants sprouting from leftover roots in the ground for quite some time. These plants have an extreme desire to survive. Kevin
...See More
When does Oriental Poppy foliage start to emerge here?
Q
Comments (11)
Thank you all for your kind responses, and for your offer of a cutting or plant, that was so nice. Chatham, is that by Albany? I'm in Orange County,not far from Stewart Airport. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, but I will try again. Speaking to my neighbor, she has the same problem, although she planted hers in moist shade.... I tried full sun, ordinary soil. I am sure once I get them to take, they will be fine. The only one that ever came back was one I planted in the fall that came from White Flower Farm, but it sent up foiliage no flowers the first season...and that was the last I saw of it.. Oldroser, would you suggest the potted types, like they sell at the nurseries in the quart size, at this time of year? I just don't know what I am doing wrong. Even when I buy them in the pot in bud, the stem shrivels and then the plant starts to yellow and go dormant ( or die ). I figured it lost it's bud to not liking to be transplanted. I was hopefull last year. I am not giving up just yet.
...See More
oriental poppies
Q
Comments (11)
Mine are just about ready to open, one or two are blooming. They have the most buds I've ever seen on them, its just loaded. BTW they just appeared in the last week or so. Really robust and beautiful though this year.
...See More
Anyone want orange oriental poppies or small yellow daylillies?
Q
Comments (1)
Cat, I'd be interested in some poppies. PM me and let's see if we can set it up. If it fails, post a reply and we'll figure something out.
...See More
lschibley
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much for the responses. I'll post the link to the collection, but in the 20 poppy collection the cultivars are:

2 Turkenlouis Poppy - Spectacular fully double flowers are brightly colored with velvety fringed and frilly petals of scarlet red.
2 Lauren's Lilac - Introduced in 2000, this poppy exhibits a beautiful soft shade of mauve lilac.
4 Royal Wedding - Large, silky shimmering white petals surround black centers making a bold statement.
4 Queen Alexander Poppy - The most beautiful of all pink poppies with extra-bright salmon-pink single blooms held aloft by wiry, pubescent stems.
4 Prince of Orange Poppy - Huge blooms the color of tangerines surrounded by light green foliage. Wonderful satiny texture and long-lasting garden flair.
4 Brilliant Poppy - Wildfire red blooms with prominent black markings that will make you sigh with admiration.

The mailer says shipped for proper fall planting time which according to their website starts Sept 14th, so I am assuming they would have to be dormant by then, wouldn't they?

If y'all think these cultivars are worthwhile I might go for it. I'll look for some local deals as well.

Dtd I'd take you up on your offer, just to be able to come see your gardens, but road trips with my two little kids (2yo and 5 yo) generally aren't relaxing endeavors. Maybe when they are bigger and I don't feel guilty about leaving them with hubby for extended periods of time.

Thanks again. Right now, I am leaning in favor of trying it, but am happy to hear any other thoughts!

Lisa

Here is a link that might be useful: Spring Hill Poppies
sedum37
15 years ago
I wouldn't order from them. Why be disappointed! See their reviews on GardenWatchDog.

Here is a link that might be useful: GardenWatchdog Review for Spring Hill
littleonefb
15 years ago
There is no good deal fron Spring Hill Nurseries. That doesn't exist with them. How they and their "family" of other names stays in business is beyond my understanding.

It is very easy to start perennial poppies from seed. Check out the wintersowing forum if you have no space for indoor seed starting.

Here'a a pic of the Brilliant Poppy that was started from seeds about 15 years ago. It bloomed it's second year and has been blooming ever since with dozens of flowers and seeds pods full of seeds.

The flowers measure a minimum of 6 inches across.

I can send you seeds of this poppy to start in the fall if you would like some.

Fran

{{gwi:411252}}

{{gwi:411253}}