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Plant Purchases from Box Stores. Yay or Nay ?


greysrigging

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So.... value for money ? Variety ? Longevity of plants purchased ? Convenient ?
I generally avoid like the plague ( no pun intended during this Covid-19 world ). Our ( Australia ) biggest box stores are Bunnings, of which we have 2 in the metro area.
My biggest problem is I go to our local for a $2 item, and generally spend $50 before I leave....lol. I really do avoid buying palms and other plants.... but here's the thing, sometimes they get a few exotic species in so one just has to have a look....
The problem up our way is our climate, and many plants for sale in our Bunnings come from different climate zones over on the East Coast. Bunnings likes to put these showy flowering and not common sub tropicals on display nearer to the cash registers.... marketing 101 of course.  a good example is the Nong Nooch Vine, much sought after among local gardeners ( I missed out ). But many plants I would deem unsuitable long term in our climate.
So yesterday I casually walked past the potted palms ( I did resist the impulse purchase... ) and they had some Licuala Grandis and Dypsis Pembana for sale. Reasonably healthy too, as the always are when the stocks are new and before the shock of 32c ( 90f ) in the depths of winter cruels them....$23 for the pembana and $25 for the grandis.  But like a reformed drinker walking past a liquor store, I resisted the temptation.....
 

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Did you notice them selling Ptychosperma bleeseri?  I think they get them from that Lambells lagoon wholesale nursery. It's been lumped in with Ptychosperma macarthurii now but the native one is protected. None of the plants have the protected plant label. Unless they're trying to pass off the common one (from New Guinea) as the local one.

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1 hour ago, tropicbreeze said:

Did you notice them selling Ptychosperma bleeseri?  I think they get them from that Lambells lagoon wholesale nursery. It's been lumped in with Ptychosperma macarthurii now but the native one is protected. None of the plants have the protected plant label. Unless they're trying to pass off the common one (from New Guinea) as the local one.

No, none of the bleeseri, and yes protected in the wild. I often wonder where the plants have come from on the occasions I've seen them for sale.... can only have been seed collected from Black Jungle.... ? Most non hard core enthusiasts couldn't tell the difference I reckon.....

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In regard to big box stores, if the price is right and the plant is healthy I go for it.

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Lakeland, FL

USDA Zone 1990: 9a  2012: 9b  2023: 10a | Sunset Zone: 26 | Record Low: 20F/-6.67C (Jan. 1985, Dec.1962) | Record Low USDA Zone: 9a

30-Year Avg. Low: 30F | 30-year Min: 24F

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Locals here in Darwin tell me that our box store ( Bunnings ) have a replacement policy re store bought plants. Not ever tried it myself.......

 

Edited by greysrigging
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Whenever I go to Home Depot I check for palms.  Once in a while they have something besides the "Manila Palm", the "Areca Palm" and the Coconut.  In the past 8 months I picked up a Red Sealing Wax in 3 gal pot for about 125 bucks, a Cham elegans in 3 gal pot for about 25, and a Thrinax radiata for about the same in 3 gal. pot.  Oh, yea a 3 gal Kentia w/4 plants for ?  can't remember and a single Kentia for 12 bucks.

 

Steve

Born in the Bronx

Raised in Brooklyn

Matured In Wai`anae

I can't be held responsible for anything I say or do....LOL

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58 minutes ago, WaianaeCrider said:

Whenever I go to Home Depot I check for palms.  Once in a while they have something besides the "Manila Palm", the "Areca Palm" and the Coconut.  In the past 8 months I picked up a Red Sealing Wax in 3 gal pot for about 125 bucks, a Cham elegans in 3 gal pot for about 25, and a Thrinax radiata for about the same in 3 gal. pot.  Oh, yea a 3 gal Kentia w/4 plants for ?  can't remember and a single Kentia for 12 bucks.

 

How tall was the Sealing Wax ? Trying to compare what they sell for here.....A 3 gallon pot would be a large ish specimen I imagine ?

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5 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

In regard to big box stores, if the price is right and the plant is healthy I go for it.

This is my philosophy as well. They do still have the 1 year guarantee which can be beneficial, especially when zone pushing. The problem I have seen is that they can have spectacular deals right next to terrible deals. It’s all very subjective and I’m sure determined by the particular pricing of each supplier. For example, one day I was at HD, they had large B&B spindles for $99 each out front. They had 4 singles and they were 3-4’ of trunk. All looked healthy and at that price, very cheap. A local nursery would have priced them at $300 or more. I easily resisted the temptation since I don’t have a truck and went inside to compare. I found potted spindles for $49 in a 3 gallon and $79 for a 7 gallon. The 3 gallon were perhaps 3 years old and very easy to plant but many years away from the large ones. The 7 gallon were maybe 1 additional year of growth but not worth any extra cost. I knew the large ones would be sold quickly and by the time I walked out they were all marked as sold to the same person. Immediate impact if you have the ability to work with large plants.

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I have  4 palms(of 60+) that came from big box stores.  Bottom line you often can't trust the ID and the selection is poor and health can be poor too at those stores.  They also hurt smaller businesses that try to offer many species.  Big box stores want to sell a handful of species because it makes more money for them.  I bought my dypsis pembanas on line for $15 each, and I have visited a lot of nearby nurseries that had good deals on other less common palms.  The most I have paid for a 3 gallon in the nurseries is $30(beccariophoenix alfredii) the least was $3 for archontophoenix alexandre 1 gallons.  I also bought copernicia hospita sedlings for $20 and macroglossa for $10 each as seedlings mailorder from a nursery in south florida.  My total haul from big box stores was a livistona chinesis clump, bismarckia 3 gallon, livistona decorra(7 gallon), and dypsis lutecens 3 gallon.  The rest of my 50 plus established palms came from smaller growers or palm nursery specialists.

Formerly in Gilbert AZ, zone 9a/9b. Now in Palmetto, Florida Zone 9b/10a??

 

Tom Blank

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I'm with @kinzyjr; why hell NOT get something from a big-box if it's nice? (But do support your local palm growers.)

@greysrigging you have some killer plants in your big box stores. I think I'd get tossed out for screaming too many obscenities.

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Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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9 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

In regard to big box stores, if the price is right and the plant is healthy I go for it.

Same here.  Got my Phoenix roebelenii from a Home Depot two months ago on sale for like $16.99 or something with the largest trunk already 5 inches tall.  Stuck it full blazing sun (10+ hours) in the middle of an Arizona summer (105-115F daily) , and that thing has only burned on three fronds and pushed out like 5 that I know of since planting.

Edited by ahosey01
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If you find a great buy at a chain store garden center, why not? But I’ve moved so far beyond the BB “Usual Suspects” offerings I look at specialist sellers like Floribunda and Jeff Searle. If you are serious about palms, not a dabbler in palms, you never stop learning, reading and researching. Learn what’s out there, what each palm requires, what you can provide to meet those requirements because palms will not compromise their needs. I had to learn the hard way that no matter how hard I tried, hoped, prayed or wished I could not grow palms fundamentally unsuited to my harsh climate. My biggest frustration is that my only local sources for palms are BB usual suspects. In the era of COVID, I’m not making forays to any specialist nurseries.

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Meg

Palms of Victory I shall wear

Cape Coral (It's Just Paradise)
Florida
Zone 10A on the Isabelle Canal
Elevation: 15 feet

I'd like to be under the sea in an octopus' garden in the shade.

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For common species that you use as a backbone for the garden the big box are 25-50% of the same plant at a nursery, so I say go for it - I know I have.  For harder to get things and more collector plants you support your local specialty nurseries.

I see it as a win for everyone.

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I also agree with @kinzyjr if it looks good and has a good price, go for it! But of course, we need to support local palm growers (have one nearby...struggling). Here only the usual suspects appear in big box sale (D. lutescens; C. elegans; C. nucifera; P. canariensis). I wish I had those treasures from @greysrigging post....here!! Our local nurseries have a short offer... About half of my palms are from online specialty nurseries. I think I would react even more anxiously than @DoomsDave.... what a dream vision, those species in big box sale!:w00:

@PalmatierMeg, I fully agree with your post, taking care of palm trees, besides being a "labor of love", it is a constant process of learning and research, both academically and in the "field". Always in search of the best conditions, best plants, and that we don't always find, except online, which is often a long shot.

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Greetings, Luís

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9 hours ago, greysrigging said:

How tall was the Sealing Wax ? Trying to compare what they sell for here.....A 3 gallon pot would be a large ish specimen I imagine ?

About 3' including the pot.  Maybe a 2 foot tall plant  in the ground.

Steve

Born in the Bronx

Raised in Brooklyn

Matured In Wai`anae

I can't be held responsible for anything I say or do....LOL

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2 hours ago, WaianaeCrider said:

About 3' including the pot.  Maybe a 2 foot tall plant  in the ground.

Just screamed into the elevator shaft of the Dark Tower.

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Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Well, well, well..... a Pytchosperma bleeserii at Bunnings Palmerston @tropicbreeze.  And sourced from the wholesaler you suggested....
116017476_1010947719351578_7965919415503056849_n.jpg.4053b3a47d5f3206b049237835bb4e11.jpg 116009213_783739659030390_6312696061240912592_n.jpg.76d9170c2c76ea77941bded2992c108d.jpg
And some other offerings....
115911432_1250805978593481_7247763105830669692_n.jpg.9ec5c7853b304e06af4da634c00c915f.jpg 116154971_751770415651421_461697470731988169_n.jpg.5fc093ae2e5ed57b23526868bbb5d7a6.jpg


 

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1 hour ago, greysrigging said:

Well, well, well..... a Pytchosperma bleeserii at Bunnings Palmerston @tropicbreeze.  And sourced from the wholesaler you suggested....
116017476_1010947719351578_7965919415503056849_n.jpg.4053b3a47d5f3206b049237835bb4e11.jpg 116009213_783739659030390_6312696061240912592_n.jpg.76d9170c2c76ea77941bded2992c108d.jpg
And some other offerings....
115911432_1250805978593481_7247763105830669692_n.jpg.9ec5c7853b304e06af4da634c00c915f.jpg 116154971_751770415651421_461697470731988169_n.jpg.5fc093ae2e5ed57b23526868bbb5d7a6.jpg


 

2-4-6-8

 

now it's time to EMIGRATE to OZ!

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Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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Sure. If the price and specimen is good. 
 

I enjoy the convenience of being able to go at 8 at night and shop. 

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14 hours ago, greysrigging said:

Well, well, well..... a Pytchosperma bleeserii at Bunnings Palmerston @tropicbreeze.  And sourced from the wholesaler you suggested....
116017476_1010947719351578_7965919415503056849_n.jpg.4053b3a47d5f3206b049237835bb4e11.jpg 116009213_783739659030390_6312696061240912592_n.jpg.76d9170c2c76ea77941bded2992c108d.jpg
And some other offerings....
115911432_1250805978593481_7247763105830669692_n.jpg.9ec5c7853b304e06af4da634c00c915f.jpg 116154971_751770415651421_461697470731988169_n.jpg.5fc093ae2e5ed57b23526868bbb5d7a6.jpg


 

I'd have to say the containers with the built-in handles is pretty clever.  Not seen that anywhere here before.  Even more so if the bags were biodegradable!

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Jon Sunder

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The local botanical gardens had a fund raise sale on this morning.....$15 Grandis was pretty good value I thought....
 

116532555_568517510511108_492475812090519219_n.jpg

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Was that Friends of the Gardens, or the Botanical Gardens themselves?

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Some more box store bargains from Bunnings Bagot Road....
117226850_2936312876495933_7049734065947825293_n.jpg.d154c5df2e1960bcbd378c36661058a2.jpg 116292722_937033253481408_8480645014618221720_n.jpg.211f72e5f8181a711860316149c93078.jpg
Hmmmm, not so sure of the suitability in our climate ( I might be wrong..... )
116775637_300480817726116_2686116170717746975_n.jpg.a3906d6856d5e16d96d725f2666d47f8.jpg 
Native to the coastal rain forests 2,500 miles south east of Darwin, a much different climate......

116718370_743629652877160_260186118223512097_n.jpg.50b6fb05807377c7a9f8e1d44ecaa08a.jpg
This is a way better species.... a Territory native.
116877473_759626498125798_3667269178438475592_n.jpg.b3bef9875c842b61dfb110882952f627.jpg 116736135_296080828323377_9156217529663353124_n.jpg.f5a241a1161bcae5041b7c749e008544.jpg
Likes the shade in Darwin.
117115875_296110848114826_923457943554871697_n.jpg.17a770817917e5e1b4eac3308bff7efc.jpg

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54 minutes ago, greysrigging said:

116775637_300480817726116_2686116170717746975_n.jpg.a3906d6856d5e16d96d725f2666d47f8.jpg 
Native to the coastal rain forests 2,500 miles south east of Darwin, a much different climate......

116718370_743629652877160_260186118223512097_n.jpg.50b6fb05807377c7a9f8e1d44ecaa08a.jpg
This is a way better species.... a Territory native.

Nice selection!  Imagine that - a big box store that actually sells native palms!  Here in Texas the big box stores don't carry Texas native palms Sabal mexicana or Sabal minor.  Most of the palms they sell are very common palms or zone inappropriate palms sold as "houseplants" or under the mistaken impression that they will grow in the area indefinitely.

Edited by Fusca

Jon Sunder

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My local Home Depot has plenty of roebeleniis and sagos. They had a few musa basjoo bananas to my surprise. Local Lowes has plenty of queens, robustas, sagos, roebeleniis, and now some chinese fan palms. My local Walmart has roebeleniis, majesties (larger sizes and seedling sizes), i think some cat palms and areca palms aswell. Now a Walmart in Pensacola had queens, roebeleniis, foxtails, bottles, i think i saw some fishtails, and many others. I didnt have a chance to see the rest because i was so excited about the foxtail, but im lead to believe they have adonidias aswell. All these palms listed were fairly small, a few had larger and smaller sizes to choose from. Other than that every single BB garden center has knockout roses...

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Palms - 4 S. romanzoffiana, 1 W. bifurcata, 2 W. robusta, 1 R. rivularis, 1 B. odorata, 1 B. nobilis, 2 S. palmetto, 1 A. merillii, 1 P. canariensis, 1 BxJ, 1 BxJxBxS, 1 BxS, 3 P. roebelenii, 1 H. lagenicaulis, 1 H. verschaffeltii, 9 T. fortunei, 1 C. humilis, 2 C. macrocarpa, 1 L. chinensis, 1 R. excelsa

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the prices look kind of high in those places for common palms.  Prices have risen everywhere it seems.  Ebay was charging $59 + shipping for a 3 gallon for a not sun hardened(elongated) flamethrower, eek!  I know florida prices have been really down in the past after the banking collapse, I never paid more than $30 bucks for a 3 gallon and , much less for a flamethrower.  Big box stores sell queens, royals, foxtails, adonidia merilli, majesties, bismarckia, livistona chinensis, dypsis lutecens, spindles, bottles, and A cunningnamiana.  Some prices are now much higher, as much as 3x, compared with 7-10 years ago.  I paid $50 less for a field dug (100 gallon size royal, 3' clear trunk) from a local farm than the box stores charge for a 25 gallon today.   Box stores are the only non-mail option for many, but the prices I am seeing here are often higher than a local nursery in my area and the stock doesnt look that happy and is far less diverse.  I dont really need that diversity, my yard is mostly planted.   And I have a few dozen container seedlings that cannot be bought at box stores(teddies, copernicias, dyctosperma, sabal causiarum that I only paid 10 each or less for as seedlings).   Big box stores are good for perlite, and sometimes top mulch here.  If you are in florida and think you need to get palms in a big box store, you need to get out there and find small nurseries to see what you are missing.  Nobody should buy more than a 3-5 gallon bismarckia in florida, not worth it as they grow so fast and they do better in the ground from a small size(3-5 gallon max).   These can be purchased cheap at the end of the season when big box stores are dumping stock. You will save a palm as they will just trash them at some point as they dont really care for them and they start to look bad and out of season they take up space better used for winter stock like amaryllis and poinsettas.  They were selling 3 gallon bizzies for $39 in spring and $12.99 in the fall 2010 when I bought it. was not a good looking palm, had mold spot, save a colorful spear.  But today its the best looking bizzy in the area and it hit 20' overall in 7 years and today is >25' after 10.   If you are in a marginal palm area(cold area buy a bigger size), but if not, don't bother its a waste of money.  And buying late in the grow season is always a lot cheaper at the big box stores.  

Formerly in Gilbert AZ, zone 9a/9b. Now in Palmetto, Florida Zone 9b/10a??

 

Tom Blank

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On 8/3/2020 at 9:07 AM, tropicbreeze said:

Was that Friends of the Gardens, or the Botanical Gardens themselves?

Friends of the Gardens ran the sales... they had some very nice plants up for sale. I just went for a ''look' and ended up spending $115.00......haha

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I have picked up some great A.Beatricea specimens from HD, as well as Cunninghamiana from both HD and Lowe’s, Foxtails, Chamearops, Majesty Palms, etc.

 

Enough that they have as good of specimens as speciality nurseries and even sometimes better. But I still make sure to support the private owned nurseries and most of my more exotic purchases are usually from the little guys and gals.

 

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