
Australian Plants Online: Best Online Nurseries and Native Plants
Anyone who has spent a Saturday driving between garden centres in search of a specific grevillea knows the frustration. Online plant nurseries are changing that, offering hundreds of varieties delivered to your doorstep.
ProductReview rating: 4.1/5 ·
Number of reviews: 215 ·
Free shipping threshold: $330 ·
Market trend: Online nurseries growing rapidly Sydney Morning Herald (business news)
Quick snapshot
- Small plants by post – low cost per plant (ProductReview.com.au (consumer review aggregator))
- Example: Australian Plants Online (ProductReview.com.au)
- Larger specimens delivered – higher price per plant (ProductReview.com.au)
- Contrast: tubestock vs potted sizes (WorthEPenny (independent review site))
- Focus on Australian natives – support biodiversity (Australian National Botanic Gardens (government horticulture authority))
- Widely available from online specialists (ProductReview.com.au)
- Bulk orders for landscaping – require minimums (ABC Gardening (national broadcaster))
- Less consumer‑focused but cost‑effective (WorthEPenny)
The verified data points below provide a quick reference.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ProductReview rating | 4.1 / 5 | ProductReview.com.au |
| Number of reviews | 215 genuine | ProductReview.com.au |
| Notable criticisms | Higher prices, stock availability, shipping delays | WorthEPenny |
| Free shipping threshold | $330 | Australian Plants Online (company policy), confirmed by ProductReview.com.au |
| Plant variety range | 800+ seasonal varieties | Australian Plants Online website, referenced by ProductReview.com.au |
Who owns Australian plants online?
Australian Plants Online is a privately owned nursery based in Queensland that specialises in tubestock plants. The company operates its own website and does not appear to be part of a large retail chain. According to its ProductReview.com.au listing (consumer review platform), the business has been operating for several years and maintains a focused catalogue of more than 800 varieties.
Privately owned nurseries often offer more specialised selections than big‑box retailers, but they can also have less transparent ownership and return policies. The available data does not name the individuals behind Australian Plants Online (WorthEPenny).
The implication: buyers should check return policies and ownership transparency before ordering.
Can you buy plants online in Australia?
Yes, the market for buying plants online in Australia is well established and growing. Consumers can choose from dozens of nurseries that ship across most states. Australian Plants Online, Online Plants, and Garden Express are among the names frequently mentioned. The trend has accelerated as gardeners seek convenience and wider selection.
Online nurseries offer an alternative to traditional garden centres, especially for rare or native species.
– ABC Gardening (national broadcaster)
When ordering, consider quarantine laws: some states restrict plant imports. Most reputable nurseries include state‑specific guidance at checkout. For example, ProductReview.com.au reviews indicate that Australian Plants Online ships to most parts of Australia but may have seasonal pauses for extreme heat. (For seasonal gardening tips, read about Spring in Australia.)
| Criteria | Australian Plants Online | Online Plants | Garden Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Tubestock natives and exotics | Full‑size trees, shrubs, perennials | Native plants, edibles, garden supplies |
| Price per plant (approx.) | $2 – $8 per tube | $15 – $50 per pot | $5 – $25 |
| Free shipping threshold | $330 | $250 (reported) | $200 (reported) |
| Customer rating (ProductReview) | 4.1/5 (215 reviews) | Not available | Not available |
The trade‑off: Tubestock nurseries like APO offer unbeatable value per plant, but you’ll need patience while they grow. Full‑size retailers deliver instant impact at a higher cost. The right choice depends on your timeline and budget.
What is the most popular plant in Australia?
Eucalypts, acacias (wattles), and grevilleas consistently rank among Australia’s most popular native plants. According to Wikipedia (encyclopaedia), eucalypts are the dominant tree genus across most of the continent. The Australian National Botanic Gardens (horticulture authority) lists grevillea, kangaroo paw, and lilly pilly as top choices for home gardens because of their long flowering periods and low maintenance.
Native plants are not only more likely to thrive in Australian climates, they also support local wildlife and reduce water usage. Nurseries such as Australian Plants Online carry a wide range of these species, making them accessible to suburban gardeners (ProductReview.com.au).
The pattern: native plants are a safe bet for Australian gardens, and online nurseries make them accessible.
Which is the best website for buying plants online?
There is no single best website—the choice depends on your priorities. Based on available data, here is how the main contenders compare.
Australian Plants Online
- Rating: 4.1/5 from 215 reviews (ProductReview.com.au)
- Price critique: “Higher prices than local nurseries” according to WorthEPenny (independent review site)
- Shipping: Free over $330; occasional delays reported
- Best for: Gardeners willing to wait for tubestock to mature and who want a wide variety of natives and exotics.
Online Plants
- Claim: “First and largest online nursery in Australia” (company press)
- Offering: Larger sized plants, trees, grasses – immediate garden impact.
- Delivery: VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD, SA according to their shipping policy.
- Best for: Homeowners who want instant landscape results and are willing to pay extra.
Garden Express
- Niche: Strong focus on Australian natives and edible plants.
- Pricing: Competitive for bulk orders.
- Best for: Native plant enthusiasts and food gardeners.
Upsides of buying plants online
- Wider selection than most local nurseries (ABC Gardening)
- Plants delivered to your door – saves time and fuel
- Tubestock is very affordable for large projects
- Access to rare and native species not stocked in stores
Downsides to consider
- Plants may arrive stressed from transit (WorthEPenny)
- Shipping can be slow or delayed, especially in peak seasons
- No chance to inspect the plant before buying
- Return policies are often limited – check before ordering
The catch: there is no one-size-fits-all; your choice should match your gardening goals.
What plants flower all year in Australia?
Year‑round colour is achievable with the right species. Kangaroo paw, native fuchsia, and lilly pilly bloom for months on end. According to Better Homes and Gardens Australia (gardening magazine), many modern cultivars are bred for continuous flowering. Australian nurseries often label plants as “ever‑blooming” so you can select accordingly when shopping online. (For a deeper look at the magazine’s legacy, read our article on Better Homes and Gardens.)
“I was skeptical about buying plants online, but the range was incredible and everything arrived healthy. My advice: read the reviews first.”
– Reddit user, r/GardeningAustralia, discussing Australian Plants Online (Reddit (community discussion))
The implication: for gardeners who want continuous bloom without the hassle of replacing plants each season, focusing on online nurseries that specialize in native ever‑bloomers can save both time and money.
What this means: with careful selection, gardeners can enjoy continuous colour without frequent replanting.
For gardeners seeking resilient options, our native Australian plants guide offers comprehensive advice on low-maintenance species.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for online plant orders to arrive?
Delivery times vary by nursery and location. Australian Plants Online typically dispatches within 7–10 business days, as reported on ProductReview.com.au. Express shipping is not always available for live plants.
Do plants arrive healthy and alive?
Most nurseries pack plants carefully. However, WorthEPenny reviews note that some customers have received wilted or damaged tubestock. Check the nursery’s guarantee before ordering.
What is the return policy for online nurseries?
Policies differ. Australian Plants Online reportedly offers a limited guarantee for plants that arrive dead. Always read the terms; consumer protections under Australian law apply.
Can I order plants from overseas to Australia?
Importing plants is highly restricted due to biosecurity laws. The Australian Department of Agriculture requires permits. It is much easier to buy from local online nurseries.
Are there bulk discounts for large orders?
Some nurseries offer tiered pricing for wholesale orders. Australian Plants Online lists discounts for quantities over 100 tubes, as noted in their website policy.
What payment methods are accepted?
Most Australian online nurseries accept Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Some, including Australian Plants Online, offer Afterpay for orders over $100.
Do all nurseries offer tracking?
Shipping tracking is common but not universal. Australian Plants Online provides tracking once dispatched, according to ProductReview.com.au customer feedback.
How should I unpack and care for plants upon arrival?
Open the box immediately, water if dry, and place in a sheltered spot for a few days before transplanting. The ABC Gardening guide recommends gradual hardening off to avoid shock.
For the Australian gardener looking to buy plants online, the decision comes down to patience versus instant impact. If you can wait a few months for tubestock to fill your garden, Australian Plants Online offers value and variety. If you need mature plants now, you’ll likely pay more but get immediate satisfaction. Either way, the online nursery market is making it easier than ever to find the perfect plant without leaving home.