As a self-proclaimed plant parent and bargain hunter, I know the thrill of finding a gorgeous new greenery friend at a great price. But I also know the disappointment of coming home empty-handed because my local Lowe‘s was sold out of the varieties on my wish list. To help my fellow flora fans optimize their shopping trips, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive guide on when Lowe‘s restocks their plant inventory.
I‘ll share insider insights on the seasonal cadence of plant deliveries, intel on how to sleuth out the freshest stock, and tips for keeping your new plant babies happy and healthy long after you bring them home. I‘ve also included some handy charts to help you know what plants to look for by season. Armed with this knowledge, you‘ll be able to secure the best selection at the best time. Let‘s dig in!
Understanding Lowe‘s Plant Restocking Patterns
While the exact plant delivery schedule can vary slightly by location, most Lowe‘s stores receive new shipments once or twice per week on average. Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the most common days for fresh arrivals, allowing the plants some recovery time before the weekend crowd descends. However, the frequency can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the time of year.
Spring Bounty
Spring is by far the most bountiful season at the Lowe‘s Garden Center. Beginning in late February and throughout March, April, and May, shoppers can expect deliveries up to 3 times per week to accommodate the huge influx of annuals, perennials, veggies, and herbs. According to one Lowe‘s Garden Center employee I spoke to, the busy season often requires overnights shifts to receive plants and get them promptly situated on the shelves.
"In spring, there‘s usually at least 4 or 5 team members working to unload the trucks and set the new plants as soon as they come in, often very early in the morning," the employee told me. "The rush is intense but it‘s important to get the plants out quickly while also making sure they‘re watered and looking their best."
Some of the most common outdoor plants you‘ll see restocked in spring include:
| Annuals | Perennials | Vegetables | Herbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petunias | Coneflowers | Tomatoes | Basil |
| Impatiens | Black-eyed Susans | Peppers | Parsley |
| Begonias | Daylilies | Squash | Mint |
| Marigolds | Hostas | Cucumbers | Rosemary |
| Geraniums | Lavender | Lettuce | Thyme |
Summer Abundance
As the temperatures heat up, so does the competition to snag the best summer plant deals. During the months of June, July, and August, most Lowe‘s locations still see 1-2 plant deliveries per week, though some may scale back to 1 as the demand starts to slow compared to spring. However, there are often big restocks ahead of summer holidays like Memorial Day and 4th of July when people are sprucing up their yards for gatherings.
Some of the most popular summer plants at Lowe‘s include:
| Tropicals | Grasses | Shrubs | Vines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiscus | Purple Fountain Grass | Rose of Sharon | Jasmine |
| Bird of Paradise | Pampas Grass | Hydrangea | Clematis |
| Mandevilla | Blue Fescue | Butterfly Bush | Honeysuckle |
| Canna Lily | Blue Oat Grass | Spirea | Trumpet Vine |
| Croton | Liriope | Barberry | Wisteria |
Fall Finds
As summer fades into fall, the plant selection at Lowe‘s begins to shift towards varieties that can withstand cooler temperatures. Throughout September and October, shoppers can expect 1 plant delivery per week on average as the inventory transitions. Think mums, asters, pansies, ornamental kale, and more. This is also a good time to snag discounts on perennials and shrubs as they go dormant for winter.
Some classic fall plants to look for include:
| Annuals | Perennials | Shrubs |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemums | Sedum | Burning Bush |
| Pansies | Coneflowers | Barberry |
| Asters | Black-eyed Susans | Winterberry Holly |
| Ornamental Kale | Goldenrod | Nandina |
| Snapdragons | Asters | Camelia |
Winter Wonders
While the outdoor plant selection is certainly more limited during the chilly months of November through February, Lowe‘s still stocks a variety of indoor plants, succulents, and holiday greenery. Expect 1-2 deliveries per month focused mainly on houseplants and seasonal items like poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and Norfolk Island pines. If you‘re lucky, you may even score some discounted bulbs for spring planting.
Some trendy houseplants to keep an eye out for in winter include:
| Tropical Foliage | Succulents | Air Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Monstera | Aloe Vera | Tillandsia |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | Burro‘s Tail | Ionantha |
| Pothos | Jade Plant | Xerographica |
| Snake Plant | Echeveria | Brachycaulos |
| ZZ Plant | String of Pearls | Fuschii |
Tips for Scoring the Best Plant Deals
Now that you have a general idea of when new Lowe‘s plants arrive by season, here are some of my best tricks for ensuring you get first dibs:
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Get on the email list. Sign up for Lowe‘s Garden Club emails to receive coupons, exclusive offers, and notifications about incoming plant stock. You‘ll also get a heads up about any workshops or special events.
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Check inventory online before heading to the store. The Lowe‘s website has a handy feature that allows you to view how many of each plant are available at your local store in real time. Simply search for the plant on Lowes.com, select "Check Nearby Stores" and enter your zip code. If they‘re out of stock, you can sign up to be notified when they‘re back in.
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Know the delivery schedule and shop accordingly. Based on the seasonal patterns I outlined above, aim to visit your Lowe‘s Garden Center on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday morning after a delivery to access the best variety. Don‘t hesitate to ask an employee if you‘re unsure of the schedule.
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Look for plants with the "New Lower Price" tag. These yellow tags signal that the plant has been marked down, sometimes up to 50% off. The selection may be more limited but the savings can be significant.
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Don‘t ignore the clearance rack. Usually located in the back of the Garden Center or tucked in a corner, the clearance section is a goldmine for plant lovers on a budget. Most of these plants are discounted due to minor cosmetic imperfections or simply being past their prime. With a little extra TLC, they can often bounce right back. Plus, Lowe‘s offers a 1-year warranty on perennial plants so you can return them if they fail to thrive.
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Choose plants that are healthy and pest-free. Before loading up your cart, give each plant a quick once over to check for any signs of disease, insect infestation, or damage. Gently shake the plant – if any bugs fly off, steer clear. Inspect underneath the leaves for holes, spots, or sticky residue which could indicate pests. And avoid any plants with yellowing leaves, rotten spots, or generally looking unwell. Even a great deal isn‘t worth introducing potential problems to your other plant babies at home.
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If you don‘t see what you want, ask about special ordering. Lowe‘s can often bring in specific varieties or larger quantities of plants with enough advance notice. Speak to the manager of the Garden Center about putting in a request. You may need to pay a deposit and the lead time can vary, but it‘s a good option if you have your heart set on something specific.
Plant Parenthood 101: Care Tips for After You Get Home
Congrats, you‘ve successfully procured some beautiful new plant additions! To keep them looking as fresh as they did on the shelf, follow these basic care guidelines:
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Harden off any plants that will live outdoors. Begin by placing them in a shady spot for a few hours and gradually increase their sun exposure over 5-7 days. This helps them acclimate to avoid transplant shock.
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Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil if the plant is root bound. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Give them a good drink. Thoroughly water your new plants until excess runs from the bottom. For most, the top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out between watering.
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Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or a water-soluble type according to package directions.
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Pinch or prune to encourage branching and bushiness. Nip off the top couple sets of leaves on stems that are getting too long. Also remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage.
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Monitor for pests and address any issues promptly. Common culprits include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Catching them early is key to preventing a major infestation.
By getting to know the plant restocking rhythms at your local Lowe‘s and following these simple shopping and care tips, you‘ll have a home and yard bursting with beautiful, thriving greenery in no time. Here‘s to flexing that green thumb!
