Finding discounted plants at Lowe’s offers home gardeners an exciting opportunity. This allows for significant savings and the rewarding experience of rehabilitating plants that might otherwise be discarded. By understanding where to look, what to assess, and how to care for them, you can transform distressed specimens into thriving additions to your landscape or indoor collection.
Locating Clearance Plants at Lowe’s
Lowe’s clearance plants are typically found in specific garden center areas, often towards the back or in designated sections. These spots may be labeled “as-is” or “distressed plants,” or be near the customer service desk. Clearance plants are identifiable by distinct tags or signs indicating a reduced price, often 50% off or more.
Locations vary by store, but common spots include the outdoor garden center perimeter, under a shaded canopy, or a corner inside the indoor garden section. Plants are grouped to make space for new inventory, making marked-down items easier to find.
Why Plants End Up on Clearance
Plants are marked down at Lowe’s when they are no longer in peak display condition. Seasonal changes are a primary factor; plants finishing their bloom cycle or no longer seasonally appropriate are discounted to make room for new stock. This is common after major holidays or during seasonal transitions.
Overstocking also leads to markdowns as stores clear excess inventory. Plants may also be on clearance due to minor cosmetic damage, like a broken leaf or slight wilting, which doesn’t indicate a severe health issue but reduces appeal. Sometimes, a plant is simply nearing the end of its ideal retail appearance due to irregular watering or temporary lack of light.
What to Look for When Buying
When selecting a clearance plant, thoroughly assess it for issues. Inspect foliage for pests or disease, looking for discoloration, spots, holes, or stickiness on leaves. Yellowing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiency or overwatering, while crispy or browning edges suggest underwatering or environmental stress. Avoid plants with ragged, curled leaves, or a white powdery coating, as these signal fungal infections or pests.
Examine stems; they should be firm and upright, without soft spots or rot. A long, spindly plant indicates weaker growth from straining for light. Check the soil; it should not be excessively dry, waterlogged, or have visible mold.
If possible, gently slide the plant out to inspect roots. Healthy roots are white or tan, firm, plump, and hold the soil together. Avoid mushy, brown, or foul-smelling roots, as these indicate root rot.
Bringing Your Clearance Plant Home
Upon bringing a clearance plant home, take immediate steps for its recovery and to protect other plants. Isolate the new plant for two to four weeks. This quarantine period allows observation for hidden pests or diseases like spider mites or mealybugs. A separate room is ideal, but maintaining three to six feet from other plants helps prevent spread.
During isolation, assess and clean the plant. Remove dead or damaged foliage, and gently wipe leaves to remove dust or pest residues. If the soil is dry, water thoroughly until drainage, but avoid overwatering. Delay repotting for a few weeks to allow acclimation, unless the plant is severely root-bound or the soil is poor. If repotting, choose a pot one to two inches larger and use fresh potting mix.
Place the plant in appropriate light, mimicking its ideal conditions. Avoid sudden changes in light intensity, especially direct, harsh sunlight, which can shock a stressed plant. Gradually introduce it to brighter light if needed. Do not fertilize a newly acquired, stressed plant, as this adds stress. The plant needs to recover strength before utilizing added nutrients.
Timing Your Clearance Plant Hunt
Timing visits to Lowe’s can improve your chances of finding desirable clearance plants. Seasonal shifts bring significant markdowns. The end of spring and summer are good times, as stores clear seasonal annuals and perennials for fall and winter inventory. Major holidays, like Mother’s Day, often result in an influx of stock, with unsold plants becoming clearance candidates.
Specific days of the week can be more productive. Mondays, after the weekend rush, are often good for markdowns as staff clear unsold or distressed plants. Visiting early when the garden center opens may offer a better selection. However, waiting until later in the day or week could yield deeper discounts on remaining plants.