PLANTS FAQ
Can I plant natives that are not native to my area?
Yes, you can. Some folks prefer to choose only plants that are native to their eco-region, while other gardeners may choose to add a few “outsiders” to the mix. It is a matter of personal choice and your objective. While native plants are adapted to particular ecoregions, they can survive and even thrive outside of those regions, as long as the site meets the temperate, sunlight and soil conditions that they require. Carefully review the Cultural Details (at the bottom of the species/product page) before choosing a plant that will be planted outside of it’s native area. Plants that are native to your area often perform the best, and may be more beneficial for local pollinators & wildlife, as well.
What size are the potted plant containers?
Most of our plants are sold in 3" or 4” potted formats. Most spring ephemerals are sold and shipped in bare root form. Shrubs are typically in 1-gallon pots. Format information for each plant can be found on the product page, just above the price information.
My new plants have arrived! How do I care for them?
Each plant shipment contains an instructional Transplanting Guide to help you care for and transplant your new arrivals.
- Immediately open the box and carefully remove the excelsior packing material from around the plants. Then remove the plants from the box, along with the tray in which they sit.
- Place your tray of potted plants in a cool place or shaded area indoors and away from direct sunlight or wind.
- Check your plants to determine if they need water. If plants are dry, water them thoroughly, giving them enough so the entire root mass is wet and water is draining out of the pots. Plants can dry out very quickly in small pots, especially if they are exposed to heat.
- Do not plant your plants immediately upon receiving them. Instead, allow them to re-hydrate for 24 hours before transplanting into your garden. If you are unable to plant them following this 24 hour period, keep the plants in a protected area, out of direct sunlight and wind and check them daily to determine if they need water.
- For best results, transplant your order within 7 days of receipt, weather permitting.
My plants didn't grow, what should I do?
We ask that you give your transplants at least 30 days to grow, before declaring them dead. The plants should be properly cared for and planted within seven days of receiving them (weather permitting). If a plant fails within that timeframe we will issue your choice of a refund, a store credit, or a one-time replacement plant if available. Contact us within 60 days of your order shipment date. Contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-476-9453, or email your details to cs@prairienursery.com, or use our contact form. Make sure to include your Order Number.
My plants are damaged from shipping. What should I do?
Plants that have damage to the leaves and stems will usually grow if they are treated with care after a rough ride. However, if your plants have been through a very unfortunate shipping experience and look badly damaged, call us immediately. Take a quick photo with your phone for the record. Then, carefully inspect the plants, and place them in their pots with enough soil that the roots are all sufficiently covered. Water the plants and place them in a protected location, out of the sun and wind. You may decide to go ahead a plant them as they begin to look better and recover from the shipping experience. That said, if damaged plants don’t survive, simply contact Customer Service by phone at 1-800-476-9453, or email your details to cs@prairienursery.com.
When will my plants bloom?
It varies widely from species to species, but many natives will grow and produce flowers during their first summer as a transplant. This is likely to be the case with spring transplants when the plant’s bloom-time is late summer or fall. This scenario allows enough time for the new transplant to become established and produce flowers during that first season. If you receive plants in June and the bloom time was in April-May, then you won’t see flowers again until the following spring. If you receive plants in the spring that have an early summer bloom time, it will depend on many circumstances. The plants may not have enough time to get established and produce blooms, and some may wait until the following year to produce flowers.
