Top Plant Suppliers & Nurseries

How to choose a plant supplier for a business order

Check whether the supplier grows its own stock or resells. Growers can usually hold and reserve plants for a later delivery date, while resellers depend on what their sources have that week. Ask for photos or a yard visit for specimen trees and large statement plants, since size and form vary widely between nurseries using the same pot size.

Delivery is where live orders go wrong. Ask how plants are packed, whether vehicles are covered or climate controlled, and who unloads on site. Confirm the replacement terms in writing: how long the guarantee runs, whether it covers plants your own staff water, and what evidence you need to claim.

Red flags include no substitution policy, prices quoted without plant sizes, and a supplier who cannot say where the stock was grown.

What drives the cost of a commercial plant order

Plants are priced per unit by species and size, usually stated as pot volume, height or trunk caliper. Size drives cost far more than species: a mature specimen takes years to grow and needs heavier handling. Wholesale pricing typically opens up at volume, and trade accounts may get better rates than one-off buyers.

On top of the stock you pay for delivery, which depends on distance and load size, and for any planters, potting media and installation labor. Rental and care contracts swap the up-front purchase for a recurring fee that covers watering, feeding and replacements. When comparing quotes, line them up by size and guarantee, not just total price.