Best Nurseries in St. Louis: Top Plant Shops & Gateway City Garden Centers
St. Louis's plant scene benefits from one of the world's great botanical institutions—the Missouri Botanical Garden—and a gardening culture that takes both tradition and innovation seriously. The Gateway City offers excellent nurseries from historic neighborhoods to growing suburban areas.
The metro area's continental climate brings four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters, but St. Louis sits in a favorable zone (6b-7a) that allows growing a wide variety of plants. The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers influence local conditions.
What makes St. Louis special is the resources. Having a world-class botanical garden means local nurseries benefit from research and expertise, and St. Louis gardeners have access to education and inspiration that few cities can match.
Top Nurseries in St. Louis
We're still building our directory for St. Louis. Check back soon or browse all nurseries.
Growing in Continental Climate
Continental climates feature hot summers and cold winters, with dramatic seasonal changes. This means most houseplants must stay indoors at least half the year. The good news: homes here are often well-insulated, and winter heating creates consistent indoor temperatures. Watch humidity levels when heating is running.
Best Plants for St. Louis
- Classic houseplants (Pothos, Philodendron, Snake Plant)
- Low-light tolerant plants for darker winters
- Hardy tropicals that tolerate temperature fluctuation
- Spider plants and tradescantias
- Chinese evergreens and dracaenas
More Challenging Plants
- Tropical plants in drafty areas
- Plants near heating vents
- Humidity-lovers without a humidifier in winter
Seasonal Tips for St. Louis
Spring is the best time to buy plants—they'll have the whole growing season to establish. Summer allows outdoor time for many houseplants. Fall means preparing for the transition indoors. Winter requires extra attention to humidity and avoiding cold drafts.
Plant Shopping in St. Louis: Local Insights
- The Missouri Botanical Garden ("Shaw's Garden") is one of the world's top botanical institutions
- The Grove, Tower Grove, and Kirkwood have St. Louis's trendiest plant boutiques
- Tower Grove Park's Victorian landscape showcases historic St. Louis gardening
- St. Louis straddles zones 6b and 7a, allowing diverse plant selection
- The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts plant sales and gardening education
Tips for Buying Plants in St. Louis
Finding the right nursery can make all the difference in your plant journey. Here's what to look for when shopping in St. Louis.
Check Plant Health Before Buying
Inspect leaves for yellowing, spots, or pest damage. Healthy plants have firm stems and vibrant foliage. Don't be afraid to gently tip the pot and check root health—white roots are good, brown or mushy roots signal problems.
Ask About Local Growing Conditions
Local nurseries understand your area's unique climate challenges. They can recommend varieties that thrive here and help you avoid plants that struggle in local conditions. This expertise is worth more than any online guide.
Consider the Journey Home
Weather can stress plants during transport. In summer, never leave plants in a hot car. In winter, wrap them for the trip. Many nurseries offer protective wrapping or delivery for sensitive plants.
Look for Locally Grown Stock
Plants grown locally are already acclimated to your area's conditions. They'll transition to your home more easily than plants shipped from different climates.
Build a Relationship
The best nurseries become long-term resources. Staff can track what you've bought, remember your successes and challenges, and provide ongoing support as your collection grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and shopping at nurseries in St. Louis.
Top St. Louis nurseries include Sugar Creek Gardens, Greenscape Gardens, and St. Louis Family Farm and Home. For houseplants, visit The Grove boutiques or Tower Grove shops.
Zone 6b-7a plants thrive: roses, hydrangeas, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses. Missouri natives handle local conditions well. The climate supports diverse gardening.
The Grove boutiques, Tower Grove shops, and garden centers throughout the metro have houseplant selections. Missouri Botanical Garden shop also carries plants.
Spring (mid-April to May) after last frost and fall (September-October) are ideal. St. Louis springs are variable—watch the weather before planting tender species.
Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, Grow Native! partners, and Missouri Botanical Garden sales feature natives. Many local nurseries stock Missouri and prairie species.
Missouri Botanical Garden offers classes, Master Gardener programs, and PlantFinder database. Shaw Nature Reserve and local nurseries also provide education.