Crocus www.crocus.co.uk

I have just received a Comte de Chambord rose. It’s a disgrace. Only two short stems crossed firmly one over the other. Imagine how long that will take to develop properly. I will never risk buying any plant from Crocus. Totally unprofessional. I have asked them to respond and will follow up here.

My first and last purchase with this company. They want you to pay postage both ways (£25 return yes £25 for a box that was £7 to send out)on terrible plants they post to you. They charge full price for stuff you would laugh at in a garden centre. Then they want you to take photos to send to a *plant doctor* maybe have him on the packing line and save a lot of hassle. Please if you are thinking of buying don't waste your time. If you do make sure you write a review. Disappointed

Order took 5 weeks, though mainly seeds and fertilizers!

Very Expensive Seeds came in packets with pale print that can hardly be read and no illustrations whatsoever!

The two plants, though well packed, were unsatisfactory: the gooseberry plant was not pot grown, just came in a pot with roots in loose soil.

The house plant - Sansevieria - had only two green tips out of 12 - ten were brown and dry. Regret making my order.

I have given Crocus one star owing to their appalling customer care and lack of human kindness during this trying time when people are losing their jobs.

I ordered some bedding plants in April, the total cost of which was immediately taken from me. I knew there would be a delay of at least six weeks before the order would arrive and reluctantly accepted this. After all we're all trying to exist in difficult times aren't we. However, on 24th April following unexpected financial difficulties arising from the Covid19 fallout and through no fault on my own, I sadly decided to cancel my order requesting a much needed refund. Given that Crocus customers are expected to be tolerant and sympathetic to their current delivery delays, it never crossed my mind that my unfortunate circumstances would be met other than sympathetically. But no. Instead I was promptly told I could not cancel my order because 'suppliers have said they will not fulfill any requests to amendments or cancellations due to the sheer volume and how busy they are'. I was dumbfounded. I was hardly requesting bespoke furniture and how come Crocus use a supplier anyway? I appealed to Crocus three times about this, but they have refused to show any kindness or understanding, just complete indifference and choosing to blame their supplier. It's now 29th May, and needless to say I still haven't received my order and Crocus have had my money for just on six weeks. Oh, and I’ve also just received one of their circulars saying, ‘we’re sorry for the delay…we’ve been let down by one of our suppliers …blah blah…we care blah blah …and shipping will be from 8th June.’ I simply despair!

Well Crocus, whilst I've purchased products from you in the past, never ever again! Such callous and selfish treatment from you. To all the future customers out there, I would recommend you find a more understanding plant supplier and steer well clear of this one.

I ordered over 100.00 worth of bedding plants on 6th April. Supposed to arrive early May. I tried to cancel order by email and was told that there was a note on the product page saying cancellation after ordering was not possible. I saw no message when ordering.

Come early May, another message. Their supplier let them down. Delivery now 31st May!

Tried to cancel again as I believe I am within my rights. I am now unable to receive delivery as am not home due to I'll health. They don't reply to emails, Twitter,Facebook or phone.

I am apalled by the terrible customer service. Do NOT give them your money.

Still waiting for my plants - poor (but polite) customer service. Has Crocus lost its way?

I made an order for named day delivery (Saturday) and paid the extra delivery charge for it. (I had to order over the phone as there was a glitch on the Crocus website).

No sign of the plants on the Saturday (waited in all day), no notification that they wouldn't be delivered, and no facility to phone Crocus (Customer Services is shut on Saturday, only the Order Line is open).

So phoned Customer Services on Monday. A charming girl apologised profusely, said the plants had been out for delivery on Saturday and didn't know why they hadn't been delivered) and that I should have received a notification. But that in any case she would update me later that day.

No phone call received that Monday so phoned again on Tuesday. Again they didn't know where my plants were and waiting for a response for an email sent to the courier company (Yodel). And, no, Customer Services couldn't commit to phoning me by the end of the day with an update (even if it was to say there was no update) as they are currently very busy.

And as regards the unsatisfactory situation with the plants having been left in boxes now for some time, the response was that they should be OK for up to 7 days.

And just silence to my suggestion that the order be cancelled and I get the plants from an alternative supplier.

The only reason I haven't just give 1 star is that in previous years Crocus plants and customer service has been fine.

I suspect Crocus is driving for business with new customers and new orders, and neglecting its current customers / pre-existing orders. It's a shame as Crocus plants carry a premium price and the trade off for this used to be good customer service (and guaranteed plants).

So, for me, when (if?) I get my plants, this will be my last dealings with Crocus.

I am a keen gardener living in a house in the suburbs with an average sized garden. I love to grow unusual plants and discovered Crocus a few years ago. There I can get plants sometimes unavailable in local garden centres and find lots of information about which are the most suitable for my garden. They are easy to order, arrive promptly and the packaging is amazing, so that the plants always arrive in top condition. I wholeheartedly recommend Crocus to anyone who loves their garden.

I ordered climbing roses in March and planted them the same day they arrived. One of them started to grow away quite happily whilst the other did nothing. After 6 weeks of leaving it alone I contact Crocus and they immediately offered me a replacement. I ordered the same one again. However, I then received a phone call within 5 minutes to say that this was out of stock. I then ordered another type to the same value. I was very impressed with customer operator who dealt with me. Very efficient, friendly and knew what she was doing. Would definately use again.

I recently made my first order from Crocus and obtained a 20% discount. Subsequently, before the order was dispatched I asked if I could add to my order and not only did they allow this, they also applied the original 20% discount to the extra items. The plants arrived looking healthy and were well packaged and protected. Thanks you - great service and I highly recommend them.

I’ve completed a total revamp of our gardens in the last 12 months and bought my new plants from Crocus having used them before and being really impressed with their quality. With any plant, there’s always a risk they won’t be happy in their new home, so did anticipate there been the odd casualty – that’s nature. I contacted Crocus to explain this was indeed the case and, under their 12 month plant guarantee, wondered if there was anything that could be done. Without question their customer service has been outstanding. Not only have I received replacement plants, but where it was not possible, I’ve also received a refund. All within a week of me contacting them. In today’s society it’s refreshing to find a company with such high standards. It may be tempting to use another provider that may be a little cheaper, for me this is false economy though as the quality of Crocus plants are superb and having experienced their customer service standards; for me, there can be no other plant provider. I just need to see where I can squeeze a few more in now! A massive thank you Crocus, you have totally delighted me.