GrowersFinder

Plant Nurseries & Garden Centers in North Carolina

Explore 468 local plant nurseries across 71 cities.

Select your city:
Loading Map...

Top Rated Farms in NC

East Market Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Garden
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

East Market Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Garden

📍102 E Vandalia Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, USA
Route
No website listed
Flat River Nursery
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Flat River Nursery

Greenhouse vegetable crop nursery. Top products: Greenhouse tomatoes. Flat River Nursery and Farm is a specialized horticultural operation located in Timberlake, North Carolina, with a primary focus on the greenhouse production of tomatoes. The business manages a cycle that begins with seeding in October, followed by transplanting into climate-controlled greenhouses to ensure consistent quality and freshness. Their operational model prioritizes direct-to-consumer sales, bypassing traditional retail supply chains to provide customers with vine-ripened, fresh produce. They maintain a visible presence at regional agricultural hubs, including the Carrboro Farmers Market, the Chapel Hill Farmers Market, and the Durham Farmers Market, where they engage directly with local customers. The nursery emphasizes customer-centric service and transparency regarding the origin and handling of their products, positioning themselves as a reliable local source for high-quality greenhouse-grown produce. While primarily a food-crop operation, their business structure functions within the horticultural space as a specialty grower.

📍1466 Holeman Ashley Rd, Timberlake, NC 27583, USA
Route
Garden of Grace
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Garden of Grace

📍3469 River Rock Ln, Lenoir, NC 28645, USA
Route
No website listed
Greenhouse
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Greenhouse

📍The GreenHouse, 160 Depot St, Boone, NC 28607, USA
Route
No website listed
Hilltop Nursery
💬 2 reviews3
maps_search

Hilltop Nursery

📍5385 State Rd 1429, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
Route
No website listed
Imagine Sew Alterations
💬 2 reviews3
maps_search

Imagine Sew Alterations

📍217, Foxcroft Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27103, US
Route
No website listed
Krupa Family Farm
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Krupa Family Farm

Ornamental Nursery and Flower Farm. Top products: Shrubs, Perennials, Fresh Cut Flowers, Seasonal Mums, Green Giant Arborvitae. Krupa Family Farm LLC, located in Carthage, North Carolina, is a family-owned plant nursery and horticultural operation specializing in ornamental shrubs, perennials, and seasonal floral crops. The business focuses on providing high-quality, climate-appropriate plant material to local homeowners and gardeners. Their current inventory includes diverse selections such as Loropetalum, Hydrangea (Pee Gee), Iris, Daylily, Sweet William, and Hosta, along with specialty offerings like Green Giant Arborvitae. In addition to their perennial nursery stock, they maintain a flower farm operation providing fresh-cut flowers and seasonal plants like fall Mums. The farm emphasizes plant health and cultivation care, operating on a schedule that allows for walk-in retail customers Wednesday through Sunday, with appointments available on Mondays and Tuesdays. By focusing on plants suited for the local North Carolina climate, Krupa Family Farm serves as a regional resource for landscaping projects and home garden enhancement.

📍1273 Joel Rd, Carthage, NC 28327, USA
Route
Farm Background Placeholder
L
💬 2 reviews3
maps_search

Landing Nursery

📍1800 Lee Landing Rd, New Bern, NC 28560, USA
Route
No website listed
MNM Farm
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

MNM Farm

📍1430 N Shiloh Farm Rd, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
Route
No website listed
Morris Plant & Seed
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Morris Plant & Seed

📍Laurinburg, NC 28352
Route
No website listed
Nursery Angeles Lopez
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Nursery Angeles Lopez

📍225, Chandler Road, Durham, North Carolina, 27703, US
Route
No website listed
Nurtured By Nature Growers
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Nurtured By Nature Growers

Native and Fruit Tree Nursery. Top products: Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees, Native shrubs and trees, Vermicompost, Native bee nesting materials. Nurtured By Nature Growers is a North Carolina-based nursery specializing in sustainable horticulture, with a primary focus on disease-resistant dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees. Their catalog includes a wide variety of species such as apple, Asian pear, paw paw, persimmon, and artisanal fig trees, specifically curated for suburban gardeners seeking to create high-yield backyard orchards in limited spaces. The business promotes ecological health by offering native trees and shrubs—including Eastern Redbud, Serviceberry, and Winterberry—that provide essential foraging resources for local pollinator populations. Beyond plant sales, they offer habitat materials for native bees and produce their own nutrient-dense vermicompost derived from local organic waste to ensure plant resilience. The nursery operates primarily through direct-to-consumer sales at regional farmers' markets, catering to homeowners and amateur gardeners interested in sustainable food production and ecological restoration.

📍107, Preston Grande Way, Morrisville, North Carolina, 27560, US
Route
Paulette's Greenhouses
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Paulette's Greenhouses

📍5246 Eason Rd, La Grange, NC 28551, USA
Route
No website listed
Roots and Rarities
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Roots and Rarities

Specialty Greenhouse and Houseplant Nursery. Top products: Rare houseplants, Specialty indoor plants, Potting soil mixes, Plant pottery and ceramics. Roots and Rarities is a specialized greenhouse operation located in West Asheville, North Carolina, with an additional storefront location in Fletcher. The business focuses primarily on the retail of rare and unique houseplants, catering to plant collectors and enthusiasts. Their core operational model revolves around providing high-quality indoor horticultural specimens alongside a dedicated 'Soil Bar' concept, where customers can customize growing substrates or purchase pre-mixed blends. Beyond plant sales, the greenhouse serves as a resource for plant care and horticultural supplies, offering a curated selection of pottery, ceramics, and botanical-themed accessories. The business maintains a strong community-centric mission, actively seeking partnerships with local artists and growers in the Western North Carolina region. Through their consistent greenhouse hours and active event scheduling, Roots and Rarities functions as a specialized retail nursery dedicated to the hobbyist plant market.

📍16, Smith Mill Road, Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, US
Route
Farm Background Placeholder
S
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

S&R Landscaping and Nursery

Retail nursery and landscaping. Top products: Ornamental trees, Shrubs, Perennial plants, Mulch. S&R Landscaping and Nursery, based in Charlotte, NC, operates as a dual-purpose horticultural business combining a retail nursery with professional landscaping and hardscaping services. The business serves both residential and commercial clients by offering a diverse selection of healthy trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants. Their nursery operation focuses on providing quality plant material alongside expert horticultural advice, emphasizing the use of native plants and sustainable practices such as organic fertilization and water-efficient irrigation. Beyond plant sales, S&R specializes in full-scale garden design and installation, including tree and shrub planting, mulch application, and hardscaping features like patios and retaining walls. By integrating plant procurement with professional installation services, they offer a turn-key solution for customers seeking to improve their property's curb appeal through both plant maintenance and landscape transformation.

📍281, Alberto Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28207, US
Route
Sixsmith & Sexton Lavender Farm Store
💬 2 reviews3
maps_search

Sixsmith & Sexton Lavender Farm Store

📍423 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA
Route
No website listed
Smith-Clanton Greenhouse
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Smith-Clanton Greenhouse

📍5624 Foster Store Rd, Liberty, NC 27298, USA
Route
No website listed
Southern Gem Nursery
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

Southern Gem Nursery

📍126 Magel Rd, Shelby, NC 28152, USA
Route
No website listed
Farm Background Placeholder
T
💬 2 reviews3
maps_search

The Best Nursery

📍NC 162, Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28304, US
Route
No website listed
The Yardbird Landscape Supply
💬 2 reviews5
maps_search

The Yardbird Landscape Supply

📍3386 NC-65, Germanton, NC 27019, USA
Route
No website listed
Above the Briery, LLC
💬 1 reviews5
maps_search

Above the Briery, LLC

Native plant and shrub nursery. Top products: Native perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Native seeds, Bloodroot nursery stock. Above the Briery, LLC is a small-scale, specialized nursery operation focused on the cultivation and sale of native plants, shrubs, and trees suitable for the eastern North Carolina region. The business emphasizes ecological restoration and native plant gardening, offering nursery stock primarily in pint, quart, gallon, and two-gallon containers. Notable offerings include woodland-grown Bloodroot and a variety of native seeds. The nursery operates primarily through direct-to-consumer channels, including local farmers' markets, seasonal events, and scheduled on-site pick-ups, with advance ordering options available for specific inventory. The proprietor manages all aspects of the growing process, including winter sowing, to ensure high-quality, regionally appropriate plant material. They cater to individual gardeners and enthusiasts, including members of the NC Native Plant Society who receive specific purchasing discounts. The operation is characterized by its small-batch, focused approach to horticultural propagation.

📍North Carolina, 28530, US
Route
B and B Lenten Roses
💬 1 reviews5
maps_search

B and B Lenten Roses

Hellebore Perennial Specialty Grower. Top products: Helleborus orientalis, Lenten Roses. B and B Lenten Roses is a specialized horticultural nursery based in North Carolina, focused primarily on the propagation and cultivation of Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Roses. As a specialty grower, the nursery concentrates on providing high-quality, perennial ornamental plants that are well-suited for shade gardens and woodland landscapes. Their core operations revolve around the production of these cold-hardy, early-blooming perennials, catering to home gardeners, landscape designers, and enthusiasts looking for high-quality cultivars. By specializing in this specific genus, the business emphasizes botanical expertise, providing robust plants known for their winter and early spring flowering capabilities. Their model functions as a direct-to-consumer or supply-based nursery operation, prioritizing the health and longevity of their ornamental stock for the regional market.

📍5412, Amick Road, North Carolina, 27283, US
Route
Cornerstone Garden by DianaDigsDirt
💬 1 reviews5
maps_search

Cornerstone Garden by DianaDigsDirt

Landscape Design and Garden Boutique. Top products: Perennials, Flowering shrubs, Outdoor containers, Garden decor, Landscape design plans. Cornerstone Garden by DianaDigsDirt is a multifaceted horticultural business based in Greensboro, NC, operating as both a professional landscape design firm and a boutique garden retail space. The business provides comprehensive landscape design services, including custom 'landscape recipes' or detailed scale plans for residential and small commercial properties in the Piedmont Triad area. Their design approach integrates hardscaping, drainage solutions, lighting, and strategic plant selection tailored to local zone 7 conditions. In addition to design and professional installation services, the business operates a retail location at 414 State Street. This venue functions as a curated garden boutique and nursery outlet, offering a rotating selection of ornamental plants, seasonal containers, and unique garden-related gifts, decor, and antiques. The business actively fosters a gardening community through events such as plant and seed swaps and provides expert consulting on plant care, selection for local aesthetics, and long-term garden maintenance planning.

📍414, State Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27405, US
Route
Cramer's Backyard Plant Nursery
💬 1 reviews5
maps_search

Cramer's Backyard Plant Nursery

📍1012 Lake Shore Dr, Wendell, NC 27591, USA
Route

Browse by City

The Nursery & Garden Center Market in North Carolina

North Carolina supports a robust horticultural industry, anchored by 470 verified nurseries operating across 20 primary urban markets. The market functions as a diverse network ranging from small-scale specialty growers to large-scale retail garden centers. Industry distribution shows a heavy concentration in the Piedmont and mountain regions, where specific soil profiles and longer growing seasons dictate high demand for both native shrubs and landscape-grade nursery stock. Retail performance, evidenced by ratings often exceeding 4.5 across top establishments like Guilford Garden Center and Whitaker Farms, indicates a consumer base that prioritizes quality and localized expert advice over big-box convenience.

Top Cities for Nurseries & Garden Centers

Market density is highest in Asheville, which leads the state with 31 active nurseries. This saturation correlates with the region's unique microclimates and strong horticultural tourism. Raleigh follows closely with 27 locations, serving as the commercial heart for the capital region's residential expansion. Burlington, Wilmington, and Fuquay-Varina each host 16 establishments, reflecting a steady growth in suburban landscape demand. Charlotte, despite its status as a major metropolis, mirrors the counts of smaller hubs like Fuquay-Varina, suggesting that high-value retail land costs may influence the concentration of nursery production in the immediate outer rings rather than the city core. Other critical hubs include Hendersonville (15), Winston-Salem (14), Greensboro (14), and Shelby (13), which collectively provide a stable supply chain for residential and commercial horticultural projects across the state.

North Carolina Climate & Plant Selection

NC spans USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, a massive variance that demands specific inventory management. The western mountain nurseries, particularly in Asheville and Hendersonville, focus heavily on cool-season perennials and acid-loving woody plants that thrive in the acidic, well-draining soils characteristic of the Appalachians. Moving east toward the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, nurseries adapt by stocking heat-tolerant native species and drought-resistant varieties. Rainfall patterns, typically abundant but inconsistent, have pushed garden centers to prioritize native NC plants like Ilex opaca and various Viburnum species that can survive both high summer humidity and periodic dry spells. Greenhouse-grown stock is essential in the early spring, allowing nurseries to bridge the gap between the final frost dates and the aggressive growth cycles triggered by high heat. Soil management remains the primary challenge; heavy red clay in the Piedmont requires nurseries to guide consumers toward soil amendments and deep-rooting plants, whereas the sandy soils of the eastern counties necessitate different fertility strategies. Retail nurseries in these areas frequently integrate local nursery production with specialized nursery inventory to ensure that plant materials are already acclimated to the specific regional heat and humidity levels before they reach the consumer's landscape.

Sourcing Plants Locally in NC

  • Verify Hardiness Zone Compatibility: Before buying, cross-reference your specific location’s USDA zone with the nursery’s stock. High-elevation mountain nurseries offer vastly different species than those in the Coastal Plain.
  • Prioritize Native Plant Growers: Seek out garden centers like Whitaker Farms or Gunters Greenhouse that emphasize local propagation. Native plants are genetically adapted to NC's specific insect and soil pressures.
  • Observe Retail Rating Trends: Establishments like Guilford Garden Center (4.8) and Homewood Nursery (4.7) maintain high ratings because they employ horticulturists rather than simple retail staff. Use these interactions to gain knowledge on soil prep specific to your county.
  • Seasonality is Key: In NC, the best planting time for woody ornamentals is late fall, allowing root systems to establish before the onset of extreme summer heat. Many top-tier nurseries offer specialized stock during these cooler windows.
  • Check Source Diversity: Larger garden centers often blend field-grown nursery stock from across the Southeast with locally container-grown varieties. Always ask if the plant was grown on-site to ensure it is acclimated to local conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the mountain region in North Carolina such a hub for nurseries?

A: The Asheville and Hendersonville areas offer unique microclimates characterized by cooler temperatures and distinct elevation profiles. These conditions allow nurseries to grow a wider variety of plants, including many cool-season crops and specialty conifers that struggle in the intense heat of the NC Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, creating a diverse horticultural market that attracts specialized growers and high-demand commercial landscape buyers.

Q: What is the primary challenge for home gardeners buying from NC nurseries?

A: The main challenge is soil variance. Much of the North Carolina Piedmont consists of dense, compacted red clay that inhibits drainage. Conversely, eastern parts of the state have very sandy, fast-draining soils. Nurseries in NC must provide specialized guidance on soil amendments, such as incorporating organic matter or gypsum, to ensure that the plants survive the transition from a greenhouse environment to the homeowner’s yard.

Q: Are native plants a better investment for North Carolina gardens?

A: Yes, native plants are generally a superior investment in NC because they have evolved to withstand the state's distinct humidity, rainfall patterns, and common pests. Because they are adapted to local soil conditions, they often require less supplemental irrigation and fewer chemical fertilizers than exotic nursery stock. Many leading NC garden centers are now prioritizing native species to meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.

Q: When is the optimal time to purchase and plant in North Carolina?

A: While many garden centers are busiest in the spring, the optimal planting time for trees and shrubs in North Carolina is actually the fall. Planting in late autumn allows the roots to establish in the warming, moist soil before the plant has to deal with the intense, stressful heat of an NC summer. This reduces transplant shock and significantly lowers the need for intensive watering during the first growing season.

Q: How do NC garden centers manage plant health in high humidity?

A: North Carolina’s high summer humidity is perfect for fungal pathogens. To manage this, professional garden centers utilize wide spacing for plants in the nursery yard to ensure consistent air circulation. They also focus on stocking disease-resistant cultivars and educate customers on proper spacing and irrigation techniques, such as avoiding overhead watering, which helps keep foliage dry and reduces the incidence of common leaf-spot diseases found in the region.