Hi everyone,

Last year I had a good experience buying 4 young Japanese Maples from an eBay seller that was recommended by a member here on the forum, so this spring I went back for more. This time I bought 6 varieties due to a special sale she was offering -- choose any 6 out of a long list of options-- but 2 of them don't seem right to me. I'm just starting out though so wanted to see if I'm being neurotic before emailing the seller with complaints.

First is a "Saoshika". This is by far the largest maple that arrived in my order, and it looks beautiful. The problem is, it doesn't fit the description that I find on all the websites. Apparently the spring leaf color is bright yellow green with red edges, gradually getting darker solid green for summer. This tree arrived with, and still has, reddish leaves. I think the leaf shape is off too. I tried to select only the smallest varieties of the maples this seller offered, (mature size I mean) in different tree and leaf shape, and different fall color. I'm worried that this tree could be mislabeled, and might be a larger tree than I wanted.

The second tree is a "Hupp's Red Willow", and when it arrived it was a little droopy. Most of them were though-- they're very young and they're coming from all the way across the country, after all. I immediately put them in these little pots and gave them some water. We still had very cold nights here so I kept them in the garage for a few weeks. There's plenty of light in there though. Anyway, everyone bounced back right away except this little guy... It just stayed kinda sad-looking, slowly shriveling up and drying out further. Not dead though, I don't think. But fast forward several weeks and it's STILL sad. Is it a goner? I'm guessing it is... And that even if there was anything the seller could have done to make it right, it may very well be too late for that. I wish I'd have taken pictures right away! I really thought it'd come around.

The others all look pretty good-- some with a good amount of branches with no leaves, but still lots more healthy branches. It was a good deal for 6 young trees but not if one is dead and another is something I didn't order. But perhaps I'm wrong...

Any insight appreciated! Thanks,

Nicole