When I started looking for Pelargonium plants back in May I was surprised to see that Fibrex are still in business and in fact have a strong presence on the Pellie scene. I thought their nursery had faded away a while ago but was pleased to see them riding high once again. Information about their fall and rise is on their web site.
Their online shop is good, easy to use and supplies the necessary information. It was easy to place my order, although at the end of May the range of plants on offer was limited - a sign that they had seen good sales this year.
Delivery was by Royal Mail and each order came within a week to 10 days, I was happy with that. The packaging was the most planet friendly of all the suppliers. The only plastic was the plant labels which were stick in type, clear and helpful.
The rooted cuttings were in 6cm biodegradable fibre pots. Each plant was wrapped in a brown paper bag and the root balls were moist.
You can see the labels were tidily inserted into the side of each ‘pot’. The plants were laid on their sides in a very nicely designed mailing pack made from compressed cardboard fibre. A rigid lid held the plants in place and was fixed with a brown paper tape that seemed water resistant. The plants were held very firmly to the point that every fibre pot was compressed/flattened just a bit more than I would think ideal. Most roots that were into the fibre part of the pot were broken or damaged. apart from the ones at the bottom and the compost was somewhat loosened. All the plants I received were of acceptable quality, some a bit small but will establish OK but slowly.
Only in my last shipment from Fibrex did I get a substitute. I was not advised before delivery but was happy with the sub and I did not specify no subs.
I potted into my usual mix of general purpose compost that had about 40% horticultural grit added. The plants have all established, most are growing away well enough, a few are slow. I think the cutting material may have been too woody for rapid growth - but they will get there.
I score Fibrex out of ten for each factor:
Web site : 8
Plant range: 10
Availability in May: 6
Speed of delivery: 9
Packaging: 9
Plant quality: 7
Establishment after potting: 7
I cannot comment on after sales service as I have not needed contact with them since ordering.
Would I order from Fibrex again - yes but they are not top of my list.