I’ve always loved how Costco transforms its outdoor garden center into a plant lover’s paradise each spring. From vibrant flowering perennials to sturdy shrubs and trees the selection is impressive and the prices are hard to beat.
As a gardening enthusiast I’m constantly amazed by the quality and variety of outdoor plants available at Costco. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning backyard oasis or simply add some greenery to your patio they’ve got options for every space and budget. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shopping for outdoor plants at Costco including the best times to buy seasonal availability and tips for selecting healthy specimens that’ll thrive in your garden.
Key Takeaways
- Costco offers a wide variety of outdoor plants seasonally, with peak selections available during spring (March-May) and summer (June-August) months
- Prices at Costco are typically 30-50% lower than specialized nurseries, with perennials ranging from $8-12 and trees from $65-85 for 15-gallon containers
- The garden center maintains strict quality control measures, including daily inspections, fresh deliveries within 24-48 hours, and proper care documentation
- Plants come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee warranty, allowing returns with original receipt and plant tags attached
- Best buying periods are mid-March to late April for spring plants (perennials, bulbs) and May to August for summer varieties (tropicals, heat-tolerant plants)
- Proper care includes specific watering schedules, regular maintenance, and temperature monitoring based on plant variety to ensure optimal growth
Costco Plants Outdoor
Costco’s outdoor garden center features an extensive collection of plants that vary throughout the growing season. I’ve observed consistent availability of high-quality plants across multiple categories, making it a reliable destination for garden enthusiasts.
Seasonal Plant Selection
The seasonal plant selection at Costco rotates based on optimal planting times and regional growing zones. Here’s what I typically find during peak seasons:
Spring (March-May):
- Flowering annuals: Petunias, Marigolds, Impatiens
- Perennial flowers: Lavender, Black-Eyed Susans, Daylilies
- Vegetable starts: Tomatoes, Peppers, Herbs
Summer (June-August):
- Heat-tolerant plants: Lantana, Zinnia, Portulaca
- Tropical plants: Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Palm varieties
- Garden-ready vegetables: Cucumber, Squash, Eggplant
Trees and Shrubs
Costco maintains a curated selection of trees and shrubs suited for various landscape needs:
Evergreen Varieties:
- Italian Cypress ($29.99)
- Boxwood shrubs ($24.99/3-gallon)
- Dwarf Alberta Spruce ($34.99)
- Hydrangea bushes ($19.99)
- Flowering Cherry trees ($39.99)
- Azalea shrubs ($16.99/2-gallon)
| Plant Category | Average Price Range | Container Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small Shrubs | $15.99 – $24.99 | 2-3 gallon |
| Medium Trees | $34.99 – $49.99 | 5-7 gallon |
| Large Trees | $59.99 – $89.99 | 10-15 gallon |
Quality and Value of Costco Plants
Costco’s outdoor plants deliver exceptional value through competitive pricing and rigorous quality standards. I’ve consistently found their plant offerings to match or exceed the quality found at dedicated garden centers while maintaining lower price points.
Price Comparison
Costco’s outdoor plants average 30-50% less than comparable offerings at specialized nurseries or home improvement stores. My price analysis reveals significant savings across multiple plant categories:
| Plant Type | Costco Price | Average Retail Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-gallon Perennials | $8-12 | $15-20 |
| 5-gallon Shrubs | $20-25 | $35-45 |
| Trees (15-gallon) | $65-85 | $120-150 |
| Annual 6-packs | $12-15 | $20-25 |
Plant Health Standards
Costco maintains strict quality control measures for their outdoor plant inventory:
- Daily inspection protocols check for signs of disease or pest infestation
- Plants arrive fresh from regional growers within 24-48 hours of delivery
- Each plant includes specific care tags with USDA zone information
- Root systems undergo inspection to ensure proper development
- Plants receive regular maintenance including watering trimming feeding
- Damaged or declining plants get removed from display immediately
The plants feature robust root systems well-established growth patterns established foliage. I’ve observed their thorough quality assurance process ensures plants meet specific size weight growth requirements before reaching the sales floor.
Best Time to Buy Plants at Costco
Costco’s outdoor plant selection peaks during two distinct seasons. I’ve tracked the availability patterns to identify the optimal purchasing windows for different plant varieties.
Spring Collection
The spring collection arrives at Costco locations between March 15 to April 30. During this period, I find the most extensive selection of:
- Cold-hardy perennials: Lavender, Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflowers
- Spring-blooming bulbs: Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths
- Early vegetables: Tomatoes, Peppers, Herbs
- Flowering shrubs: Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons
| Spring Plant Type | Typical Availability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Perennials | March 15 – May 15 | $9-25 |
| Bulb Collections | March 1 – April 30 | $15-30 |
| Vegetable Starts | April 1 – May 30 | $5-12 |
- Heat-tolerant annuals: Petunias, Marigolds, Zinnias
- Tropical plants: Hibiscus, Mandevilla, Palm varieties
- Summer vegetables: Cucumber, Squash, Eggplant
- Drought-resistant plants: Succulents, Sedums, Ornamental grasses
| Summer Plant Type | Typical Availability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Annuals | May 15 – August 15 | $12-20 |
| Tropical Plants | June 1 – August 31 | $25-45 |
| Summer Vegetables | May 15 – July 15 | $8-15 |
Care Tips for Costco Outdoor Plants
Proper care ensures Costco outdoor plants thrive in home gardens. These essential maintenance practices protect plant health while maximizing growth potential.
Watering and Maintenance
Outdoor plants from Costco require specific watering schedules based on their variety. Here are key maintenance practices:
- Water container plants when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
- Apply mulch 2-3 inches deep around plants to retain moisture
- Remove spent blooms from flowering plants every 4-5 days
- Inspect leaves weekly for signs of pests or disease
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during growing season using balanced fertilizer
- Prune damaged branches immediately using clean, sharp tools
- Clean plant containers monthly to prevent salt buildup
- Check soil moisture levels daily during hot summer months
- Check plant hardiness zones listed on tags for regional compatibility
- Move container plants indoors when temperatures drop below 45°F
- Place heat-sensitive plants in partial shade during peak summer hours
- Protect tender plants from frost using protective covers
- Group plants with similar temperature requirements together
- Monitor humidity levels for tropical varieties
- Create windbreaks for exposed garden areas
- Adjust watering frequency based on seasonal rainfall patterns
| Plant Type | Ideal Temperature Range | Minimum Light Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Annuals | 60-80°F | 6 hours direct sun |
| Perennials | 55-75°F | 4-6 hours direct sun |
| Tropical | 65-85°F | 4-8 hours filtered light |
| Shrubs | 50-75°F | 4-6 hours direct sun |
Plant Warranty and Return Policy
Costco’s plant warranty provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on outdoor plants for 30 days from the purchase date. I’ve confirmed that this policy covers plants that fail to thrive despite proper care based on the plant tag instructions.
The return process follows these straightforward steps:
- Bring the original plant (dead or declining) to Costco
- Present the original receipt or membership card
- Return the plant during standard business hours
- Receive a full refund to the original payment method
Here are the specific warranty conditions:
- Plants must show signs of decline within 30 days
- Original tags must remain attached
- Plants damaged by weather events aren’t covered
- Evidence of proper care must be demonstrated
- Returns without receipts receive store credit
| Plant Type | Warranty Period | Return Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Annuals | 30 days | Plant + Receipt |
| Perennials | 30 days | Plant + Receipt |
| Trees | 30 days | Plant + Receipt |
| Shrubs | 30 days | Plant + Receipt |
The policy excludes these situations:
- Plants damaged by improper care
- Plants affected by pest infestations
- Plants modified from original condition
- Plants transplanted to different containers
- Plants damaged during transport home
I’ve found Costco’s garden center staff readily assist with warranty claims by verifying plant issues on-site. They process most returns immediately when presented with clear evidence of plant decline under normal growing conditions.
Seasonal collections
I’ve found that Costco’s outdoor garden center offers an unbeatable combination of quality variety and value. The extensive selection of plants backed by their satisfaction guarantee makes it a top choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
With proper timing and care these affordable plants can transform any outdoor space into a thriving garden. I’m confident that whether you’re looking for seasonal flowers sturdy shrubs or statement trees Costco’s garden center will exceed your expectations while keeping your budget intact.
I highly recommend exploring their seasonal collections to discover the perfect additions for your garden. The exceptional prices and quality assurance make it a smart choice for all your outdoor planting needs.