Ever wondered about those container sizes listed on our Bloomin Designs website? You are not alone! We frequently get questions about the different options available, and we understand it can be a little confusing when you are trying to choose the best perennials for your garden.

That is why we have put together this guide to demystify plant sizes and help you navigate your choices with confidence. Since 2003, our website has allowed us the ability to offer 1000+ perennial plant varieties direct to the public. Several of our wholesale nursery friends have since joined us, selling to the public via our site. Our website also provides gardening tips and insights, planting instructions, care information, plus perennial landscaping ideas.

 

At Bloomin Designs, we offer a variety of plant sizes to suit different gardening needs and budgets. Whether you are looking for instant impact or a cost-effective way to fill a large space, we have an option for you. You will find detailed information about the "container" size right on each product page, letting you know exactly what to expect (unless, of course, it is a bare root offering!).

Bloomin Designs Plant Sizes: What We Offer

Let us break down the container sizes you will typically find when browsing our perennials:

• Pots: We ship plants in individual pots ranging from 2.5-inch all the way up to 1-gallon. These are perfect for getting a head start in your garden! Some plants are offered in:
• 3.5-inch pots in trays of 18
• 4-inch and 1-quart pots in trays of 10, or larger plug trays of 20 or 30.
• And for those large-scale projects, (72) count and (128) count trays might even be available upon request! Just ask us.

 

• Ellepot Plugs: You will also see us mention Ellepot plugs. These are a fantastic option! Imagine a young plant, nestled in a biodegradable paper sleeve. This paper, called the Ellepot paper, is ingenious! It holds the growing medium together, protecting the delicate roots. The best part? You do not even need to remove the paper when planting! It naturally degrades in the soil, minimizing transplant shock and encouraging uniform growth. We offer Ellepot plugs in 20 count and 30 count flat trays. The root ball dimensions are:
• 20 count flat Elle plug: 2.75" wide and 3.25" tall
• 30 count flat Elle plug: 2" wide and 3" tall

No matter the size, we prioritize plant health. Early spring plants might arrive in a dormant state – they are just taking a rest before bursting into life! Plant size can also vary depending on the time of year and any necessary pruning. Sometimes, we trim larger plants before shipping. This might sound drastic, but it is actually beneficial! It allows them to fit snugly in the box, preventing breakage during transit and conserving energy during their journey and when you transplant them.

And speaking of shipping, we guarantee your plants will arrive alive, healthy, and in good condition! We pack our boxed plants with the utmost care, ensuring they are rooted well enough to minimize movement during shipping. We are optimistic that even if those boxes take a tumble or two with UPS or FedEx, your plants will arrive ready to thrive!

 

Choosing the Right Perennial: Container Size, Plugs, or Bare Root? Let Us Dive Deeper!

Now that you understand the sizes we offer at Bloomin Designs, let us explore the broader world of perennial sizes to help you make the perfect choice for your garden. When shopping for perennials, you will encounter containerized plants (pots), plugs, and sometimes even bare root options. Each has its own set of advantages, and understanding these differences is key to gardening success.

I. Containerized Perennials (Pots): Ready to Grow!

These are your classic garden center finds! Already growing in soil-filled pots, they offer immediate visual appeal. Container sizes are generally described by volume, with "quart" and "gallon" being the most common terms.

• Pints: The petite option! Smaller than quarts, pints are great for groundcovers or very small perennials. Think of them as a step up from plugs, economical and easy to plant, but with a smaller root volume and less instant visual impact. You might find them a bit harder to locate, though.
• Quarts (Approximately 4 inches wide): The sweet spot for many! Quarts offer a fantastic balance of size and cost. Considered "landscape ready" for smaller to medium-sized perennials, they are affordable, readily available, and a good starting size. While more expensive than plugs and with less immediate impact than gallons, they are a solid all-around choice.
• Gallons (Approximately 6.5 inches wide): The workhorse of perennial sizes! Gallons are the most common size and ideal for larger perennial varieties or those started from bare roots. Also "landscape ready," gallons provide immediate visual impact and are often large enough to even divide. They are more resilient to stress, but come with a higher price tag, require a larger planting hole, and you should always check for root boundness (circling roots!). Also remember, larger plants recently potted might have less developed root systems.
• Larger Sizes (2-Gallon and Up): While less common for perennials, you might find some very large varieties in these sizes. Typically, these larger sizes are reserved for shrubs and trees.

II. Plugs: Small Starts, Big Potential!

Plugs are young starter plants grown in trays, and they are becoming increasingly popular with home gardeners for good reason! They offer a cost-effective way to establish large plantings.

• Plug Sizes: Sizes are indicated by the number of cells in a standard tray. Remember: lower number = larger plug. Common sizes include 128s, 72s (very small, best for growers), 50s (about 2 inches wide), and 32s (slightly larger than 50s). Look for "deep" plugs whenever possible! Deep plugs, like deep 50s and deep 32s, have greater root depth, making them much more successful for direct planting. Larger “landscape ready” plugs such as 30s and 20s also exist.
• Pros of Plugs: The lowest cost option, especially for large projects! They are incredibly easy to plant (small holes, minimal soil disturbance) and surprisingly establish quickly. Plus, they are easy to handle and transport.
• Cons of Plugs: They require consistent care, particularly watering, because of their small soil volume. Young plants can be difficult to distinguish from weeds, and they are more vulnerable to animals like deer and rabbits. Typically, they are sold in full trays of the same plant.

Remember those Ellepot Plugs we mentioned? They fall into this plug category and are a fantastic choice! The Ellepot technology addresses some of the cons of traditional plugs by promoting strong root development and minimizing transplant shock.

III. Bare Root Perennials: Economical and Dormant Powerhouses!

Bare root perennials are dormant plants sold without any soil, typically available in early spring or late fall.

• Pros of Bare Root: Often the most economical option, especially when buying in bulk. They are also lightweight and easy to transport and plant. If planted correctly, they can establish very quickly, focusing their energy on root development first.
• Cons of Bare Root: They require careful handling and planting and have a higher risk of failure if not done correctly. They offer no immediate visual impact and availability can be seasonal.

Choosing the Right Size: A Quick Guide

To summarize, here is a handy guide to help you choose the perfect perennial size for your needs:

Need	Best Option(s)
Instant Impact	Gallon-sized containerized plants
Budget-Friendly (Large Projects)	Plugs
Budget-Friendly (Dormant Planting)	Bare root
Easiest Planting	Plugs
Best for Established Gardens	Plugs
Beginner-Friendly (More Forgiving)	Quarts or Gallons
Smaller Perennials/Groundcovers	Pints or Quarts
Experienced Gardeners	Any option is a good choice

Key Takeaways for Perennial Shopping:

• Inspect the Roots: Always check the roots of containerized plants.
• "Deep" Plugs are Best: Opt for "deep" plugs over regular plugs for direct planting.
• Bare Root Savings: Bare root planting offers cost savings but requires careful handling.
• Consider Your Needs: Think about your budget, project size, desired visual impact, and gardening experience when making your choice.

Ready to Grow with Bloomin Designs?

Now that you are armed with the knowledge of plant sizes and options, we invite you to explore the Bloomin Designs website! Browse our wide selection of perennials, considering whether quarts, gallons, or our fantastic Ellepot plugs are the right fit for your garden vision. No matter your choice, we are confident you will find healthy, thriving plants that will bring beauty to your landscape for years to come! Happy gardening!