As an avid gardener and self-described "plant mom," I‘m always on the lookout for convenient ways to expand my collection without breaking the bank. That‘s why I was thrilled to discover that Home Depot, one of my go-to spots for home improvement supplies, also offers an extensive selection of live plants for delivery right to your doorstep.
Whether you‘re a fellow plant enthusiast or just looking to add a splash of greenery to your space, you might be wondering: does Home Depot really deliver plants? And if so, what kind of quality and value can you expect?
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll give you the full scoop on Home Depot‘s plant delivery service from my perspective as a picky shopper and retail industry expert. Plus, I‘ll share some insider tips for choosing and caring for your new green friends. Let‘s dig in!
The Lowdown on Home Depot‘s Plant Delivery Options
First things first: yes, Home Depot does indeed deliver live plants. In fact, their selection is quite extensive. From petite succulents to towering fruit trees, you can find almost any type of plant your heart desires on HomeDepot.com.
Here‘s a quick rundown of the main plant categories Home Depot offers for delivery:
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Trees: Home Depot carries a wide variety of evergreen, deciduous, ornamental, and fruit trees in various sizes. You‘ll find classics like Maples, Oaks, Spruces, and Magnolias, as well as unique options like Bonsai and Topiary trees. Prices range from around $20 for a small sapling to upwards of $200 for a more mature tree.
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Shrubs: Whether you‘re looking for low-maintenance evergreens, flowering shrubs that attract pollinators, or dense privacy hedges, Home Depot has you covered. Popular picks include Boxwoods, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, and Rose bushes, with prices starting around $15.
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Annuals & Perennials: Home Depot‘s selection of annuals and perennials makes it easy to add a pop of color to your porch, garden, or window box. You‘ll find all the classic favorites like Petunias, Marigolds, Daylilies, and Hostas, often sold in multi-packs for around $5-$20.
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Succulents: Trendy and low-maintenance, succulents are a no-brainer for beginning plant parents. Home Depot stocks an impressive array of varieties, from brainy-looking Mammillaria to rosette-shaped Echeveria. Prices start around $4 for a 2-inch plant and go up to $40 or more for a large mixed arrangement.
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Houseplants: Who says you need an outdoor space to flex your green thumb? Home Depot‘s houseplant selection includes everything from tiny desk-friendly air plants to stately Fiddle Leaf Figs that make a statement. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-$150, depending on the size and rarity of the plant.
Impressive as Home Depot‘s plant variety is, it‘s important to note that not all plants are available for delivery to all locations. Availability depends on factors like the time of year, your hardiness zone, and your proximity to Home Depot‘s partner greenhouses.
When browsing plants on HomeDepot.com, be sure to check the "Delivery Options" section on each product page to confirm that the plant can be shipped to your area.
Digging into the Data on Online Plant Sales
So why should you consider ordering your next fiddle leaf fig or ficus from Home Depot? For starters, you‘d be in good company. Online plant sales have surged in recent years as consumers prioritize convenience and look for ways to green up their spaces without leaving home.
According to a 2021 report from the National Gardening Association, 31% of all U.S. households purchased at least one plant online in 2020, up from just 18% in 2016. The trend is especially prevalent among younger consumers, with nearly half of Millennials (48%) and Gen Z (47%) having bought plants online.
As more consumers jump on the online plant shopping bandwagon, major retailers like Home Depot are taking notice and investing in their e-commerce capabilities. In 2020 alone, Home Depot‘s online sales grew by 86%, reaching $19.4 billion.
While not all of those sales were plants, of course, the numbers make it clear that Home Depot is committed to meeting customers‘ needs through digital channels — and that includes offering a robust selection of green goods for delivery.
| Year | % of U.S. Households That Bought Plants Online |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 18% |
| 2017 | 21% |
| 2018 | 24% |
| 2019 | 27% |
| 2020 | 31% |
Source: National Gardening Association
The Pros and Cons of Ordering Plants from Home Depot Online
Now that you know a bit more about Home Depot‘s plant delivery offerings and the broader trends in online plant shopping, let‘s weigh the specific advantages and drawbacks of clicking "Add to Cart" on that Coral Bells plant you‘ve been eyeing.
Pros
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Convenience: Let‘s face it, not everyone has the time or ability to trek to their local nursery or garden center every time they want to pick up a new plant. With Home Depot‘s delivery service, you can order plants from the comfort of your couch and have them shipped directly to your door.
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Variety: While your local Home Depot store might have a limited selection of plants, especially if you live in a colder climate or a more urban area, the online offerings are vast. You can find plants suited for every skill level, space, and style.
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Value: Home Depot is known for offering competitive prices on home and garden supplies, and their plant prices are no exception. While you might pay a bit more for shipping, you can often score great deals on plants, especially if you‘re willing to buy in bulk or out of season. Plus, Home Depot regularly offers discount codes and promotions for online orders.
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Quality: In my experience, the plants I‘ve ordered from Home Depot have always arrived in excellent condition. The company works with reputable growers and takes care to package plants securely to minimize damage in transit. If you do happen to receive a damaged or unhealthy plant, Home Depot‘s generous return policy (more on that later) makes it easy to get a replacement or refund.
Cons
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Shipping Costs: Depending on the size and quantity of plants you order, shipping fees can add up quickly. Home Depot does offer free shipping on orders over $45, but that minimum can be harder to reach when you‘re only buying a couple small plants. Be sure to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices to your local store or other online retailers.
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Delivery Times: While Home Depot does offer express shipping options for some plants, standard delivery can take up to a week or more, depending on your location. That means you‘ll need to plan ahead if you‘re ordering plants for a specific event or project. And of course, there‘s always the possibility of unexpected delays due to weather or other logistical snafus.
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Limited Ability to Inspect Plants: One of the benefits of buying plants in person is that you can see exactly what you‘re getting before you take it home. When ordering online, you‘re relying on product photos and descriptions to make your selection. While Home Depot does a good job of providing accurate information and images, there‘s always a slight risk that the plant you receive won‘t quite match your expectations.
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Potential for Stress During Shipping: Even with the most careful packaging, shipping can be a stressful experience for plants. Changes in temperature, light, and humidity can all take a toll, especially on more delicate varieties. Be prepared to give your plants some extra TLC when they first arrive to help them acclimate to their new environment.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Home Depot Plants
If you‘ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to give Home Depot‘s plant delivery service a try, congratulations! Here are a few expert tips to help you choose the best plants for your space and keep them thriving long after the delivery truck pulls away.
Choosing Your Plants
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Read the product description carefully. Before adding a plant to your cart, make sure you understand its basic needs, including light requirements, water frequency, and mature size. Don‘t forget to check that the plant is suited for your USDA Hardiness Zone, too.
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Check the reviews. One of the great things about shopping on Home Depot‘s website is that you can see photos and read reviews from other customers who have purchased the same plant. Pay attention to any comments about the plant‘s size, health, and overall quality upon arrival.
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Consider your space. It‘s easy to get carried away when plant shopping online, but be realistic about how much room you have and what kind of environment you can provide. If you‘re limited on square footage, stick to compact varieties like succulents or air plants. If you have a sunny south-facing window, take advantage of it with a sun-loving fiddle leaf fig or bird of paradise.
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Start small. If you‘re new to plant parenthood, it‘s best to start with a few low-maintenance varieties before graduating to more finicky flora. Pothos, Snake Plants, and ZZ Plants are all great options for beginners.
Caring for Your New Plants
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Unpack promptly. As soon as your plants arrive, carefully remove them from the packaging and inspect them for any damage or signs of stress. If you notice any major issues, contact Home Depot‘s customer service right away.
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Provide the right light. Refer to the plant‘s care instructions to determine how much light it needs, and place it accordingly. Most plants will need at least a few hours of bright, indirect light per day.
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Water wisely. Overwatering is one of the most common ways new plant parents accidentally kill their green friends. As a general rule, wait until the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch before watering. And always make sure your pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot.
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Monitor for pests. Even healthy plants from reputable nurseries can sometimes arrive with unwelcome hitchhikers like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. Check your plants regularly for any signs of infestation and treat promptly with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
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Give them time to adjust. Just like humans, plants can experience "transplant shock" when they‘re moved to a new environment. Don‘t be alarmed if your new plant looks a bit droopy or loses a few leaves in its first week or two. With proper care and patience, it should bounce back.
Home Depot‘s Plant Guarantee and Return Policy
One of the biggest advantages of ordering plants from Home Depot is the company‘s generous return policy. If you‘re not satisfied with the quality of your plant upon arrival, you can return it within 90 days for a full refund. And if your plant fails to thrive within a year of purchase, you can return it for a replacement or store credit.
To initiate a return, simply bring the plant and your receipt to your local Home Depot store. If you ordered online, you can also start the return process through the website and print a free return shipping label.
Of course, it‘s important to note that Home Depot‘s guarantee doesn‘t cover plants that die due to neglect or improper care. But if you follow the care instructions and your plant still doesn‘t make it, you can feel confident knowing that Home Depot will make it right.
The Bottom Line on Home Depot‘s Plant Delivery
So, is ordering plants from Home Depot online worth it? In my expert opinion, absolutely.
With a wide selection of high-quality plants at competitive prices, fast and reliable shipping, and a customer-friendly return policy, Home Depot‘s plant delivery service is a great option for anyone looking to add some green to their space without the hassle of shopping in-store.
Of course, as with any online purchase, it‘s important to do your research, read reviews, and have realistic expectations about what your plants will look like when they arrive. But with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can have a lush, thriving garden or indoor jungle in no time — all thanks to a few clicks on HomeDepot.com.
So what are you waiting for? Find your perfect plant match and get growing!
