Why Cheap Plants Cost You More Long-Term

Earlier this morning I was reading my morning news and I came across an article that immediately piqued my interest. I found it so interesting in fact, that it got my wheels turning, and my fingers tapping. This article gave me a range of emotions! I’m still unsure as to whether they’re better identified as angry or as interested.

You see, the article that I had read this morning was about my industry, my day in and day out reputation, that I take great pride in. So, understandably I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered that someone was attempting to provide guidance to our customers, or if I was just annoyed that they had done such a poor job at trying to do so.

The article I had read was about the differences between low cost $5 plants and more expensive ones from garden centers. While they tried to help the many customers struggling with empty pocketbooks amidst the raging pandemic, the article both insulted the industry and the consumer.

Even the most ameteur of gardeners would read this article and surely see that the writer of this piece missed a lot of important parts of buying plants.

But, what I did appreciate about this article, was that it proposed a very important question, that both the writer of the piece and myself at times have asked.

Why is it that some plants cost more, and what exactly are you paying for?

The Garden Industry

Before diving right into the answer of why some plants cost more and what exactly you’re paying for, I think it’s important to understand a little bit about the Garden Industry and what we do.

Much like other agricultural fields, this work requires exposure to the sun for long hours through the hottest days of the year. It asks you to get your hands dirty, and not just lightly, but nails stained from the constant exposure to the dirt, kind of dirty. Not to mention the exposure to chemical treatments, insects, and other unsavory pests.

Nursery and Greenhouse professionals work exceptionally hard to deliver beautiful plants that will bring each customer years of joy and happiness.

It’s not easy, it’s not cheap, and by no means, is it a job for everyone.

But despite the stressful nature that this industry can have, many growers, sellers, and workers are still some of the kindest people you can do business with.

This industry is surrounded by the joy and beauty that these plants bring to people!

Fundamentals of Cost

Now that you know a little bit more about the work that goes into our industry, we can look at a couple of important factors that affect the cost of the plants you see at your favorite plant shops.

As a customer, one of the best ways you can support your green thumb and the Garden and Nursery Industry is by having a good understanding of what the pricing means.

You get what you pay for:

I was raised on this important philosophy during a time when you really did get what you pay for. While times have changed, and the cost of goods overall has risen, for the most part this is still true.

You only pay for quality once:

My boss said this to me earlier this past year, and it was the only time I ever needed to hear it. Simply because it’s incredibly true.

When it comes to plants, quality plants are a gift that keeps on giving. They can save you extra costs on everything from root booster to pesticides.

Bigger isn’t always better:

Sometimes bigger seems better, but this idea isn’t always true. When it comes to getting your money's worth, size does matter. But, what is sometimes missed is that the “more” you may be getting is not what you expected.

When it comes to buying plants the “more” could mean a variety of things. It could mean taking home pests, or diseases that could very well cause damage to the rest of your landscape. In other ways the more you could be getting is an unhealthy plant that led you on to believe that because it was bigger, it would be better.

Quality growers will often take the extra steps to prune or cut back plants so that they can regrow the following year with more body. When this step is skipped, it can actually impact the growth of the plant negatively.

Sometimes this means that the plant will need more time to grow full, but if it’s good quality, it will be worth the wait!

Bulk buys receive discounts:

This is true throughout the market in more than one industry. The more that a vendor buys from a supplier, the more savings a vendor can pass along to their customers. Acknowledging this global truth of market exchanges, is where you’ll be able to compare big box store discounts, and small business achievements.

What’s In the Cost

There’s a lot to take into consideration when you’re purchasing plants. Your landscape is an investment in yourself and your home. If you’re going to spend the time on it, you’re going to want it to look nice.

Buying cheap plants can mean you’re compromising quality. The plant could be short on nutrients, or root hardiness causing it to die faster. But, buying the most expensive plants can easily keep you from completing your gardening goals.

When deciding on new plants and how much they’ll cost here are the factors that will impact the cost of your plant and what you’re getting for your money:

On Staff Experts:

When it comes to the quality of plants, there is one key ingredient that really makes a difference in the cost, the people.

These days, the human impact can be easily overlooked in identifying quality and cost. But for my industry, the human touch really makes all the difference.

Companies that invest in their employees will have happier employees, and that trickles down to the quality of care they give to their plants.

Insightful experts, and careful employees can quickly impact the quality of the plants that a company sells. The natural human attention to detail is important when it comes to growing and selling plants. Staff members must have the knowledge and the skillset to give the care that plants need to thrive.

Knowledgeable staff can also quickly solve problems that often arise in the Garden Industry. Quick and informed decisions can be the difference between making a season flourish, or closing their doors.

Boxing and Packaging:

Believe it or not this has a huge impact on the overall health of your plant. Many plants are shipped from larger wholesale growers to smaller nurseries and sellers throughout the country. Cutting costs on boxing and packaging can mean exposing the plants to harsh weather conditions that can ultimately impact their health.

Pests and Disease Treatments:

The overall health of a plant before it gets to the customer starts with the grower. Using effective and proven methods to keep the plant healthy from harmful pests and diseases is fundamental to the overall health of the plant. Each state sets out different requirements for treatments against pests and diseases to protect their local environments and planting communities. If a grower does not adhere to these regulations, it often comes at a greater cost to everyone involved.

We know that the best growers use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plans, and certify their operations in compliance with their state and federal regulations. That’s why we take the extra step and time for every piece of inventory to be sure that it has been certified to ship to your area.

Quality Variety:

Like many industries around the world, the Garden Industry is continually developing new and beautiful varieties for their customers. But, keeping up with the latest trends comes a cost.

Many new varieties have patents and trademarks to their creators. Suppliers, like Nature Hills Nursery, are willing to sell these new varieties, but often have to pay additional fees for royalties, marketing, and rights to sell the variety.

Good Roots:

When it comes to starting a healthy plant, it comes from the ground up! Strong and plentiful roots give plants the access they need to nutrients throughout their lifetime.

The foundation roots created for strong and robust plants is something that is often skipped over when it comes to giving it the detail and attention it deserves.

When looking at low cost plants, this is something to be wary of. The soil of your plant should be wrapped within the roots and visibly abundant when it is removed from the cell it was purchased in.

Next Time You’re Buying Plants

The next time you’re out buying plants, I genuinely hope that you’ll consider more than just the price tag that you see. I’ve done the groundwork for you here, in hopes that the next time you’re comparing costs, you have a ready idea of what it represents.

Remember your fundamentals of, you get what you pay for and that you only pay for quality once. Bigger doesn’t always mean it’s better, and that bulk buying usually comes with greater discounts.

These basic purchasing rules will help guide your review of costs. But, these weren’t the only tips I gave you!

The Garden Industry is a busy, constantly evolving machine. From the time the plants go into the ground, to the moment they’re sent out on a truck, growers who provide quality plants really do put their best foot forward for their customers.

They invest in their staff members because they know that the return is more than a machine could ever replicate. They establish strong IPM plans to protect their plants from pests and diseases they didn’t see coming. They pay a little bit more, so that you can have branded quality varieties.

They start good roots so that your plants have access to all the necessary nutrients. And they carefully select packaging that they know costs a little more on their side, but means you’ll get a healthier and stronger plant.

So while the lower priced plant may look more appealing to your pocketbook, the slightly more expensive plant can give you so much more.

Pages To Visit:

Normally in this section of our blogs, we would include our citations. However, this week we focused on in house experts from our 3 companies! So instead of the usual citation, here are pages to our other 2 companies that help keep Nature Hills Nursery going.

[1] https://plantsentry.com/

[2] https://www.hgfulfillment.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do budget plants from big box stores often cost less than the same plants at a local nursery?

Budget plants at big box stores are typically cheaper because they are mass-produced with minimal hands-on care, often sourced from large commercial operations that prioritize volume over plant health and maturity. Local nurseries and specialty growers invest significantly more in labor, proper growing conditions, and time to ensure plants are well-established and suited to your regional growing zone. A slightly more expensive plant from a reputable nursery is often larger, healthier, and better acclimated, which translates to a higher survival rate and less money spent replacing failures. Before buying based on price alone, inspect the root system, check that the plant is zone-appropriate for your area, and ask nursery staff about the plant's growing history.

Can a low-priced plant end up costing more in the long run than a pricier one from a reputable nursery?

Yes, a low-priced plant can absolutely cost more in the long run when you factor in replacement costs, failed establishment, and the time lost waiting for a new plant to mature. Bargain plants are often younger, smaller, or less vigorous specimens that struggle to establish, require more inputs like fertilizer and water, and frequently need to be replaced within a season or two. A $5 plant replaced three times over five years costs far more than a $20 plant from a reputable nursery that thrives for decades. Before purchasing, research the grower, ask about the plant's age and growing conditions, and buy from a nursery that stands behind the quality of what they sell.

Are discount plants more likely to fail after planting, and what makes them a higher risk?

Discount plants are indeed more likely to fail after planting, primarily because they are often younger, smaller, and less established than their higher-priced counterparts, meaning their root systems have not had adequate time to develop the resilience needed to handle transplant stress. Budget plants may also receive less attentive care during their time at the nursery, including inconsistent watering, minimal fertilization, and reduced monitoring for pests and disease. To give any plant the best chance of survival, choose specimens with healthy, well-developed root systems, plant during optimal seasonal windows for your USDA hardiness zone, and invest in proper soil preparation before planting.

How do I inspect a bargain plant for signs of poor health before I bring it home?

Before buying any bargain plant, check the roots by gently sliding the plant out of its pot; healthy roots should be white or tan and fill the container without being tightly bound in circles. Inspect the foliage for yellowing, spots, stippling, or sticky residue, which can signal disease or pest infestations like spider mites or aphids that will spread to your other plants. Flip a few leaves over and check the stems near the soil line for soft, mushy tissue or visible mold. If anything looks off, leave it behind, because a low sticker price is never worth introducing problems to an otherwise healthy garden.

What should I look for on a plant label to know whether a cheap plant will actually thrive in my garden?

When checking a plant label, look for the USDA hardiness zone range to confirm it matches your local zone, and verify the mature size so you know it suits your space without overcrowding. A quality label will also list sun and water requirements, which tells you a lot about whether the grower understood the plant well enough to care for it properly. If a label is vague, missing zone information, or lists no mature dimensions, treat that as a red flag and ask a nursery professional before purchasing.

How does plant nutrition and root development affect whether a low-cost plant survives transplanting?

Plants sold at very low price points are often younger, smaller, and less established, meaning their root systems haven't had the time or nutrition to develop the dense, fibrous structure needed to handle transplant stress. A well-fed plant with a robust root ball can draw moisture and nutrients immediately after being placed in the ground, while an underdeveloped root system struggles to recover from the shock, especially during peak planting stress in summer heat above 85 degrees. Before purchasing any plant, tip it gently out of its container to inspect the roots, looking for white, firm roots that circle the soil ball rather than a sparse, loose system that falls apart.

Why are some plants sold at steep discounts, and does the reason affect whether I should buy them?

Plants are often sold at steep discounts because they are end-of-season clearance items, stressed or root-bound specimens, or varieties that have been sitting in inventory too long without proper care. A deeply discounted plant may have compromised root development, pest damage, or disease pressure that is not immediately visible, meaning you could be paying less upfront but investing far more in recovery efforts or replacements later. Before purchasing a discounted plant, inspect the roots for circling or rot, check the foliage for signs of pest damage or disease, and confirm the plant is rated for your hardiness zone to ensure it can establish before winter.

How do I compare the real value of a less expensive plant against a healthier one that costs more upfront?

When comparing plant value, look beyond the price tag and consider the total investment over time. A $5 plant that struggles to establish, requires repeated replacement, or never reaches its full size will cost far more than a healthy, well-grown plant priced at $20 or $30 upfront. Evaluate the source, the root system, and whether the plant has been properly grown for your hardiness zone before making your decision. Choose a plant that is sized and conditioned to thrive in your specific conditions, and you will save money, time, and frustration in the long run.

Should I trust clearance or end-of-season plants, and how do I know if they are worth saving?

Clearance and end-of-season plants can be worth buying if the roots are firm and white, the stems are pliable rather than brittle, and the foliage, even if tattered, shows no signs of disease or severe pest damage. A plant struggling above ground can often recover if the root system is healthy, so always unpot or inspect the root ball before purchasing. Avoid anything with mushy, dark, or foul-smelling roots, as those plants are unlikely to recover regardless of price. If the roots check out, plant promptly, water consistently through establishment, and apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch to protect roots heading into the colder months.

How do I match sun, shade, soil, and hardiness zone requirements when shopping for lower-priced plants?

Before purchasing any plant, check the USDA hardiness zone on the tag and confirm it matches your zone, since planting outside your zone is one of the most common and costly mistakes gardeners make. Note the sun requirements carefully, as a plant labeled full sun typically needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, while part shade means two to four hours. Test your soil drainage and pH before buying, since even a healthy, affordable plant will decline quickly if placed in incompatible soil conditions. Match all three factors to your specific site before you buy, and when in doubt, consult the plant description at naturehills.com for detailed growing requirements.

The True Cost of Low Priced Plants