HoffertsNursery

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my plants be shipped? TOP
We pull all our plants on Monday mornings and package the roots in damp paper wrapped in plastic. They are shipped via USPS Priority Mail that same day. Most customers receive their plants by Wednesday of the same week. We have been experimenting lately with a silica compound to keep the roots moist but to avoid damp boxes. We are asking customers who received plants with silica-dipped roots to let us know how their plants fared during shipping. If the news is good, we may switch over to silica moisture-retaining beads exclusively.

Why did my plants arrive in oddly-shaped, recycled boxes? Your packages sure don't look very professional. TOP
Well, we believe in recycling, and we feel good about our decision to re-use boxes for our packing needs. We normally turn most boxes inside out so that you get a 'clean view' of the box itself without any advertising or previous address labeling that might confuse the post office. Additionally, our plants are different shapes and sizes at different times of the year. We have looked into ordering custom-printed boxes like the ones you see from fancier businesses, but frankly, we like the option of creating whatever size and shape box we need to ship your plants as safely as possible. Normally, we pack the plants pretty tightly so they don't get damaged in shipping. If we used 'cookie-cutter' box systems, we would surely miss that opportunity to pack them snugly with only specifically sized boxes. Sure, the advertising with our name on the side of the box would be nice and all, but we are hoping that if you like us, our service, and most of all our plants, that you'll tell your friends about us. :)

Why should I choose a 2nd year plant instead of your 'rooted cuttings'? And why would that older plant cost SO much more? TOP
A second year plant has been with us at the nursery for at least 18 months, if not longer. Although we stand behind even our smallest rooted cutting plants, the established 2nd year plants are already hardened and have been through one winter. They have established, healthy root systems. Their stems are sturdier, woodier, and the plants are just hardier overall. They are also bigger plants. They do cost us a considerable amount more to ship fresh to you.

The tips of the leaves on my plants turned brown after I planted them in my yard. Are my plants still OK? TOP
Sometimes when the weather gets overly warm right after the plants are transplanted, the plants will go through a period of transplant shock and adjustment to their new surroundings. The plants won't die, though. They will send new shoots up at the base of the dying leaves. You will see new growth by the end of the summer and with application of time-release fertilizers and lots of water, they will recover and thrive.

How should I care for my plants after I receive them? TOP
You should plant your cuttings right away after you receive them. You might notice some browning on the tips of the leaves and this is normal. You should apply a good time-release fertilizer like Osmocote to the soil around the plants and water them regularly. As long as they aren't in standing water, you really can't overwater them after transplanting during that first year.

I'm wondering if the laurels you are selling are edible Bay Laurel? TOP
The laurels on our site are NOT Bay Laurel or related to Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis). They are not edible and are actually poisonous if ingested in large quantities.

How deep should I plant my rooted cuttings after I receive them? TOP
Cover the roots with about an inch of soil and no more. You can hinder the plants' growth or even kill them if you plant them too deeply. Make sure there is drainage around your plants so that water doesn't puddle around the stem.

How far apart should I plant my plants? TOP
Planting spacing ideals depend on what you are using your plants for. For an ideal hedge that will fill in within 3 years' time, you should plant them about 36 inches apart. If you want a hedge sooner, you can space them closely. Otto Luyken Laurel are especially suited for this and will make a nice shorter hedge.