Buy Plants Online: Best Nurseries, Tips, and What to Expect

Gone are the days of rushing to garden centers each spring, competing for limited stock. Today, thousands of plant varieties—from rare perennials to proven performers—are a few clicks away, delivered to your door at the optimal planting time for your zone.

Why Order Plants Online?

• Unmatched selection. Access cultivars unavailable locally.
• Detailed information. Filter by zone, sun exposure, bloom time, height, color, deer resistance, and more.
• Zone-specific shipping. Reputable nurseries ship only when it's safe to plant in your region.
• Convenience. No hauling heavy pots; plants arrive boxed, protected, with planting instructions.
• Strong guarantees. Established mail-order nurseries often offer lifetime replacement policies.

Top Online Plant Retailers

Jackson & Perkins

The "Tiffany's of roses" since 1872. Offers hundreds of rose varieties—hybrid teas, climbers, shrubs, miniatures—plus perennials, bulbs, garden décor, and a custom rose-naming program ($75,000). Their "Yard Sale" section features rotating discounts.

Burpee

Founded in 1876 by 18-year-old W. Atlee Burpee with $1,000 from his mother. Still family-owned, Philadelphia-based. Massive selection of vegetables, flowers, perennials, herbs, and "garden kits" that let you trial multiple varieties of one crop. Web-only specials.

Spring Hill Nurseries

"America's Favorite Garden Center Since 1849." Premium perennials, roses, shrubs, groundcovers, hedges. Grower comments on product pages. Curated "Gardens & Collections" designed for sequential bloom, varied height, and texture. Excellent plant-finder search tool.

Michigan Bulb Company

Perennial specialists with an industry-leading guarantee: "Any item that does not grow and flourish to your complete satisfaction will be replaced free—with no time limit—for as long as you garden." Expanded catalog now includes bulbs, roses, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, houseplants, and accessories.

What to Expect When Plants Arrive

• Live plants ship via 2-day express in ventilated, moisture-retentive packaging.
• Dormant bare-root stock (roses, trees, perennials) arrives without soil—plant immediately.
• Potted plants may be slightly dry; water thoroughly upon arrival.
• Included: planting guide, sometimes starter fertilizer or mycorrhizal inoculant.
• Hold in a shaded, protected spot if you can't plant same day—but don't delay more than 2–3 days.

Smart Shopping Tips

• Know your USDA zone and microclimate. Filter accordingly.
• Read reviews. Look for comments on plant size, health on arrival, and customer service.
• Consolidate orders. Save on shipping by buying from one nursery per season.
• Order early. Popular varieties sell out; spring shipping slots fill fast.
• Check guarantee terms. Lifetime replacement is gold standard; 1-year is common minimum.

The Bottom Line

Online plant shopping expands your horticultural horizons while saving time and physical effort. Stick with established nurseries, read the fine print, and plant promptly. The energy you save on shopping goes straight into enjoying your garden.