Photinia fraseri delivered covered in leaf spot

I recently ordered two full standard form Photinia fraseri 'Red Robin' for a client from a local nursery and when they were delivered to the client they were completely covered in leaf spot. No leaf is unaffected, with a few already at the stage of falling. Difficult for me to tell if the spot is a stress response or fungal infection, and I appreciate that it is not an uncommon infliction of these plants, however these were intended specimen screening plants for the client's garden and they are rightly not happy with these specimens. Does anyone have any experience of rights for returning plants that are already heavily affected by common issues like this on delivery. Right now I am struggling to get any response from the nursery via phone or email, so will likely end up having to go there in person. Clearly I need to see large specimen plants in person in future before purchasing, but that is difficult at my scale, so will likely request clients arrange their own purchases of large plants in future.

Replies

Peter sellers February 5, 2026 at 8:13am

I would take them back for a refund, if they are difficult about it quote "sale of goods act " that goods have to be of "merchantable quality" Specimen plants are best bought personally in our experience. Going forward try to build a long term relationship with a nursery, we are able to get replacement plants without returning the faulty ones due to primarily using one nursery for many years. As to the customer sourcing , not a good idea as you are going to lose your mark up and profit.
PRO

Adam Woods February 5, 2026 at 11:40am

PRO

Id just return them - not fit for purpose.

If they bought them in specially - well they can do the same to their supplier
Sam Bainbridge February 7, 2026 at 10:32am

Simple just send them back if they don't meet the quality the nursery is responsible as long as you haven't left it to long. I've done it dozens of times and never had an issue yet
Mark Henson February 7, 2026 at 5:18pm

Physiological disorders like leaf spot will often be making Photina 'Red Robin' look unsightly during winter, and ever increasing very wet winter conditions in the UK will exacerbate this on named plant. They will recover but will likely be affected next winter. Accept that leaf spot is what happens to Photina 'Red Robin' in the UK, in wet winters or under other environmental stresses. The nursery should be commended for not using fungicides to control an inevitable. They are not likely to be able to use valuable undercover space to protect what is a generally robust and common plant from the elements.
- Sam Bainbridge > Mark Henson February 8, 2026 at 7:22am
  
  Completely understand where your coming from but should a specimen plant at specimen money not be in good order on arrival when purchased?
  
  I think this is the point he is making rather than the way things are and should be