Whilst many people love the idea of flowers as a thoughtful gift, the one thing that makes them avoid cut flowers is the fact that they don’t last as long as they would like. This is why purchasing a plant as a gift can make a much better, longer-lasting option. As we head into spring, there are plenty of perfect options out there that could make the perfect present for a loved one, or even for yourself.

With these top tips, we will take a look at the things that you should consider when buying plants as a gift.

The basics

Giving someone a plant as a gift is not as big of a commitment as a pet would be. However, there are still some things that you may want to consider before deciding which plant is the right choice. These are the things that you should know before you buy:

  • Does the person you are buying a plant for have space for a plant?
  • If you are considering outside plants then what sort of light do they have in their outside space? Is it full sunshine, mostly shadow, or a mixture of both?
  • What type of soil do they have?
  • Are they able to look after a larger plant or would something smaller be a more appropriate choice?

Whilst these questions may seem somewhat obvious, they will help you to make the decision regarding the type of plant that would be most suitable as a gift for your recipient.

There are certainly plenty to choose from with perennial, shrubs, rose bushes and even plants for hanging baskets making great gifts.

What type of plant?

Once you have the answers to the questions above you will be able to narrow down your options.

If you are not sure what type of plant will respond well to different types of light or soil, then ask for advice from us before you buy. We will always be happy to give you the best advice that will help you make the most appropriate choice. We’ll also be able to point you in the right direction for plants that are easy to care for if the person you are buying for loves plants but isn’t very “green fingered”.

If you have decided to get a plant for a flower bed then you may also want to think about colours, when it flowers, the length of time it might have bloomed and also the type of foliage that it has. Remember to check the spread and height for the plants you are looking at – what might seem like a beautiful smaller plant could grow to be an imposing large plant that may be more than your recipient can handle.

If the person you are buying a plant for is very practical, then you may even want to consider a fruit plant or tree. This is a gift, after all,  that will keep on giving for years to come and remind them of your generosity whenever it bears fruit.