Mail order plants not always what they claim

This time of the year subtle warnings come from professionals reminding the consumer to be skeptical of mail order catalogues or advertisements that claim “new horticultural breakthroughs,” otherwise outrageous claims or mass quantities of things for bargain basement prices. 

There are legitimate “horticultural breakthroughs,” but usually different terminology is used and you’ll find them at your local stores.  

Selections, hybrids and cultivars that have been tested by professional nurserymen are introduced each year that offer better bloom, vigor, cold or heat hardiness and taste.