Where to Buy Shrubs in Cincinnati and Nearby Ohio Areas

Cincinnati is home to a thriving gardening community  and that means there’s no shortage of local garden centers offering everything from native shrubs to rare flowering varieties. Here’s a breakdown of the top-rated shrub sources in the area.

 Best Garden Centers in Cincinnati

These long-established local centers are ideal if you want to see shrubs in person, ask questions, or get help from knowledgeable staff.

 White Oak Gardens (Northwest Cincinnati)

White Oak offers a wide variety of shrubs, including many Ohio native species like Fothergilla, Viburnum, and Aronia. Their well-organized nursery makes browsing easy, though some rare or specialty plants are only available in-store.

 Note: While White Oak is a solid choice, their selection often leans heavily ornamental. For personalized help with native-focused planting, Serene Aqua provides a design consultation that includes sourcing from multiple regional growers.

 Delhi Flower & Garden Center (Western Cincinnati)

This center is known for its diverse seasonal inventory and affordable pricing. You’ll find hydrangeas, butterfly bush, and classic privacy shrubs like arborvitae and boxwood. Native options are more limited but can be requested in advance.

 Nature’s Corner Garden Center (Eastside)

Tucked away near Anderson Township, this boutique nursery is great for homeowners looking for something a little different — think colorful ninebark, fragrant lilacs, and dwarf evergreen shrubs. Their seasonal selection varies, so call ahead if you’re looking for a specific variety.

 Local Nurseries in Nearby Ohio & Northern Kentucky

If you’re open to a short drive, these regional nurseries offer larger inventories, better pricing, and often a broader selection of native shrubs.

 Berns Garden Center (Middletown & Beavercreek, OH)

Located north of Cincinnati, Berns has one of the most extensive collections of shrubs in Southwest Ohio. They carry everything from drought-tolerant natives to hard-to-find flowering cultivars.

 Ammon Nursery (Burlington, KY)

A family-owned nursery known for personalized service and a surprising range of edible, flowering, and privacy shrubs. It’s a top pick for clients in Northern Kentucky or westside Cincinnati.

 Farmers Markets & Seasonal Shrub Pop-Ups

During spring and fall planting seasons, many local markets and pop-up nurseries sell shrubs grown by small-scale producers. These can be great places to pick up unique native species at fair prices.

Look for shrub vendors at:

• Hyde Park Farmers Market

   

• Montgomery Farmers Market

   

• Cincinnati Nature Center’s Native Plant Sale (Spring only)

   

 Want help finding the best match for your yard? Serene Aqua offers native shrub sourcing as part of our landscape consultation — we’ll even pick them up and deliver them to your home.

Online vs. In-Person Shrub Shopping in Cincinnati

With the rise of e-commerce in the garden industry, it’s easier than ever to order shrubs online and have them delivered to your doorstep. But is that always the best choice? Let’s look at the pros and cons of buying shrubs online versus visiting a local nursery in person.

Should You Buy Shrubs Online?

Ordering shrubs online can be convenient, especially if you’re looking for rare cultivars or live outside the city. Many national retailers, and even some local nurseries, offer robust e-commerce platforms with home delivery options.

Pros:

• Access to a wider selection of shrubs and specialty plants

   

• Convenient doorstep delivery

   

• Quick checkout and price comparisons

   

Cons:

• You can’t inspect plant health before purchase

   

• Risk of shipping damage or transplant shock

   

• Delivery delays during peak seasons

   

Online ordering may be suitable for experienced gardeners who know what they’re looking for. However, first-time buyers or those seeking help with selection and layout may benefit more from in-person visits or design consultations.

Understanding Local Delivery Options in Cincinnati

Several local garden centers and nurseries in Cincinnati now offer delivery services for shrubs and other landscape plants. This option combines the convenience of online shopping with the reliability of working with a local provider.

Examples of local delivery services:

• White Oak Gardens: Delivery available for in-stock shrubs (fees vary by distance)

   

• Serene Aqua: Full-service sourcing and delivery for both native and ornamental shrubs

   

• Berns Garden Center: Delivery offered within a 30–40 mile radius

   

If you’re purchasing more than one plant or placing a seasonal order, delivery fees are often reasonable—and in many cases, you’ll receive healthier plants due to shorter travel times.

Buy Online, Pickup In-Store — A Smart Compromise

Some nurseries offer a hybrid solution: shop online and pick up in person. This gives you the ability to browse inventory at your convenience and still inspect the plant before taking it home.

This option is especially helpful for:

• Securing rare shrubs before they sell out

   

• Planning ahead for seasonal landscaping projects

   

• Reducing in-store browsing time during busy spring weekends

   

If you’re looking to lock in availability but still want to see your shrubs up close before committing, this may be the best of both worlds.