Hi, I am still new to peonies and have been receiving good roots for planting by mail until yesterday. I ordered small roots of 'Etched Salmon' and 'Red Satin' on ebay for cheap ($15 each) and received small plants with leaves instead. 'Etched Salmon' has a few leaves but the 'Red Satin' has only one leaf. Otherwise they look very similar - red stems and similar leaves. They arrived pretty dried but next day after I planted them 'Etched Salmon' recovered. To me, they look like peony seedlings at best. Probably not the varieties I ordered. Maybe not peonies at all. Could you please tell your opinion on this? I would appreciate any ideas.
Anya

Hi Anya, Welcome to ATP!

Ebay is always an iffy choice for buying plants. If you order seeds, I can almost guarantee you won't get what you paid for. It looks like a Peony but obviously not what you expected. I have ordered plants from Ebay with success but,

1. Read all reviews and look at the ratings
2. Don't order from anyone outside the U.S.
3. Don't order from anyone who is not a nursery (ie: Has a mixed inventory - they are selling peonies but also used tires, sporting equipment and subscriptions to Life magazine...)

If you purchased with PayPal or a major credit card, you do have some recourse. Lodge a complaint with the seller and the credit card company and check the return policy.

Photos are always good.

Daisy

Thank you, Daisy!

I agree with all three advises and followed them before ordering but still had doubts and they came true I communicate with the seller and she replies weirdly. I will send a negative feedback for sure. So far I have been having a good experience with peony growers, this is the first time.

Anya