Paramount Plants: An Informed Shopper's Guide

Based on my experience, here's what you can expect when visiting Paramount Plants. I'll also share when you might want to consider other options.

Why You Should Visit

• Excellent Customer Service is a Priority: You'll find staff willing to go the extra mile. Shoppers have raved about the support, especially regarding advice on selecting the right plants. You can expect prompt responses via email and even WhatsApp, with staff like Charlie in sales being particularly helpful. They're known for answering questions and offering solutions to gardening problems.
• High-Quality Plants: The location offers healthy, strong plants. You'll find many reports of thriving plants, with specific examples including Japanese Privet trees, yew plants, Acer Jordan trees, Cornelia cherry trees, Pittosporum, and Thuja Smaragd White Cedar Hedging. Plants are often praised for their excellent condition upon arrival.
• Great Value and Competitive Pricing: Shoppers have noted the value, with one reviewer even getting an Acer Jordan at half price and still being pleased. The price points seem more affordable compared to other nurseries in the area.
• Helpful Advice & Guidance: You can expect to receive knowledgeable advice, with staff readily available to answer questions about plant care, including how to plant your trees. "How to" videos were helpful to some customers.
• Smooth Delivery and Packaging: The location offers reliable delivery, with plants arriving well-packaged and undamaged in large boxes. You can expect to be kept informed throughout the process, which can include being offered a larger tree if your first choice is unavailable. Delivery fees may apply, such as a £10 delivery fee.
• Generous Assistance and Problem Resolution: In cases where there are issues (e.g., a damaged tree), the team is reported to offer replacements, discounts, and proactive communication to resolve them.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Potential for Inconsistencies in Plant Quality: Be aware that experiences can vary. Some shoppers received plants that were significantly cut back, dry, and not in great condition, and another received an incorrect tree twice. There can be a disconnect between how the product is marketed and what arrives.
• Sourcing Model May Differ from Expectations: The company sources plants from partner growers. While this is industry standard, it may not be immediately apparent and could lead to discrepancies between expectations and what arrives.
• Risk of Receiving Incorrect Varieties or Damaged Goods: While customer service is generally praised, there's a chance you might receive the wrong variety of tree, even after a replacement.
• Online Purchases Require Immediate Attention: If ordering online, be prepared to inspect the plants immediately upon arrival and consider watering them right away.
• Limited Opportunity to Inspect Plants In-Person: If you are concerned about quality, you might consider going in person as opposed to ordering online.
• Variability in Plant Quality: While some trees thrived, one shopper experienced multiple problems with getting the correct tree variety and had to bear additional costs.