Most Popular Wholesale Nursery Plants in the USA for Commercial and City Landscaping in 2022
As we kick start the new year, it’s important to look back at the plant sourcing trends of 2022. Learning about the plants and trees your landscape industry peers sourced the most can help you prepare for the upcoming year. We got you covered! Every year, GoMaterials collects and publishes extensive data about wholesale nursery plants in the USA. In 2022, we helped source thousands of plants and trees for hundreds of landscaping projects. Here’s a look at the best-selling landscaping plants and trees in the USA from 2022.
Skip Ahead:
- Categories for Best-selling Wholesale Nursery Plants in the USA South for 2022
- Categories for Best-selling Wholesale Nursery Plants in the USA North for 2022
Categories for Best-selling Wholesale Nursery Plants in the USA South for 2022
Conifers
- Pinus Elliottii (Slash Pine)
- Taxodium Distichum (Bald Cypress)
- Podocarpus Macrophyllus (Japanese Yew)
Palms
- Sabal Palmetto (Cabbage Palm)
- Chamaerops Humilis (European Fan Palm/Mediterranean Fan Palm)
- Veitchia Merrillii (Christmas Palm/Adonidia Merrillii)
Perennials
- Liriope Muscari Super Blue (Lilyturf)
- Liriope Muscari Big Blue (Lilyturf)
- Dietes Bicolor (Fortnight Lily/African Iris)
Shrubs
- Chrysobalanus Icaco Red Tip (Cocoplum)
- Ficus Microcarpa Green Island (Ficus ‘Green Island’)
- Myrica Cerifera (Southern Wax Myrtle)
Trees
- Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)
- Quercus Virginiana (Live Oak)
- Elaeocarpus Decipiens (Japanese Blueberry)
Top-selling Conifers of 2022 in the USA (South)
Pinus Elliottii
Common Name: Slash Pine
Slash pines were one of the popular wholesale nursery plants in 2022 due to their fast growth rate, and tolerance to various soil types and climatic conditions. It’s a great choice for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or as specimen trees.
Fun Fact: Slash pines are one of the most widely used pine species in the pulp and paper industry.
Taxodium Distichum
Common Name: Bald Cypress
Bald cypress conifer can adapt to different soil types and tolerate dry and wet conditions. Its unique pyramid shape and feathery needles make it a beautiful addition to any landscape. It’s not unsurprising that it’s one of the best-selling wholesale nursery plants in the US for 2022.
Fun Fact: Bald cypress has unique root structures known as ‘knees’ that help the tree to survive in saturated soil.
Podocarpus Macrophyllus
Common Name: Japanese Yew
The lush foliage, tolerance to a wide range of climate conditions, and low maintenance requirements make the Japanese Yew ideal for landscaping. It can be used as hedges, screens, or specimen plants.
Fun Fact: Also known as the ‘Buddhist Pine’, these conifers are tolerant to many different soil types.
Top-selling Palms of 2022 in the USA (South)
Sabal Palmetto
Common Name: Cabbage Palm
Frequently featured in our best-selling lists, the Sabal Palmetto is perfect for coastal landscapes as it can tolerate salt spray and strong winds. It also offers greater design flexibility and can be used as a specimen tree or as a hedging palm.
Fun Fact: The leaves of these palms were used as a food source by early settlers, who would chop off the terminal bud and eat the tender, white heart of the palm.
Chamaerops Humilis
Common Name: European Fan Palm
Chamaerops Humilis palm is an interesting new choice for landscapers. Its low maintenance, hardy nature, and attractive fan-shaped fronds are perfect for creating Mediterranean-style gardens or adding a tropical touch to any landscape.
Fun Fact: It is the only species of palm tree native to Europe, specifically found in the Mediterranean region.
Veitchia Merrillii
Common Name: Christmas Palm
The Christmas Palm is climbing in popularity for wholesale nursery plants in 2022, and there are plenty of reasons why. It is hardy and fast-growing, with a striking crown of feather-like fronds. Perfect for adding a tropical flair to any garden.
Fun Fact: This palm produces clusters of bright red fruits around Christmas time, adding a festive touch to any landscape.
Top-selling Perennials of 2022 in the USA (South)
Liriope Muscari Super Blue
Common Name: Lilyturf or Monkey Grass
A beautiful addition to any landscape, the deep blue flower spikes and dark green foliage of Liriope Muscari make it a striking visual feature. They are perfect for borders, rock gardens, and mass plantings.
Fun Fact: This perennial is deer resistant, making it an easy choice for localities close to nature reserves.
Liriope Muscari Big Blue
Common Name: Lilyturf or Monkey Grass
Related to the ‘super blue’ variety of lilyturf, Liriope Muscari Big Blue is an equally interesting option as a striking hedge plant. Their slower growth rate differentiates them from the ‘super blue’ alternative.
Fun Fact: Big blue is not just ornamental, but also a medicinal perennial. Its leaves and roots are regularly used in traditional medicine.
Dietes Bicolor
Common Name: Fortnight Lily or African Iris
The Fortnight Lily is a popular choice for commercial landscaping projects due to its low maintenance requirements and hardy nature. They are particularly well-suited for large open spaces, accent borders, and as a specimen plant.
Fun Fact: They are also known as the ‘African Iris’ despite not being a true iris.
Top-selling Shrubs of 2022 in the USA (South)
Chrysobalanus Icaco Red Tip
Common Name: Cocoplum
The Cocoplum is a low-maintenance and salt-tolerant plant, making it ideal for coastal landscapes. Its unique red-tipped leaves provide a striking contrast to its dark green foliage, making it a great choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone specimen.
Fun Fact: Red Tip Cocoplum is not only a beautiful ornamental plant, but it also has the potential to produce small edible plums.
Ficus Microcarpa Green Island
Common Name: Green Island Ficus
Well-suited for creating lush green screens, hedges, and accenting entryways, Green Island Ficus has been steadily increasing in popularity. Its dense foliage and low-maintenance requirements make them one of the most popular wholesale nursery plants in 2022.
Fun Fact: They’re often used in Japanese gardens and as decorative indoor plants.
Myrica Cerifera
Common Name: Wax Myrtle
Known for its evergreen foliage, fragrant berries, and tolerance for a variety of soil types, the Wax Myrtles are a regular in GoMaterials’ annual list of best-selling wholesale nursery plants.
Fun Fact: The wax from the myrtle berries was used to make a type of candle that was said to burn brighter and longer than traditional tallow candles.
Top-selling Trees of 2022 in the USA (South)
Acer Rubrum
Common Name: Red Maple
Its vibrant red foliage in fall and tolerance to a wide range of soil and climate conditions make Red Maple a go-to option as a street-side or a specimen tree. Their fast growth rate and the ability to reach over 40 ft make them suitable for both residential and commercial landscaping projects.
Fun Fact: The sap of the red maple can be used to create a slightly different flavor of maple syrup.
Quercus Virginiana
Common Name: Southern Live Oak
A hardy tree that can adapt to various soil types and climates, the Southern Live Oak is an ideal choice for parks, large yards, and golf courses. Their impressive size and wide-spreading branches make them an instant hit as a specimen tree.
Fun Fact: Live Oaks can survive for hundreds of years, with some in the Southeastern USA recorded to be over 1,000 years old.
Elaeocarpus Decipiens
Common Name: Japanese Blueberry
The Japanese Blueberry tree is an excellent choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage, small size, and low maintenance requirements. It is a great option for rock gardens, mixed borders, and as an accent plant.
Fun Fact: The tree produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are followed by blue-black berries that are edible and taste similar to blueberries.
Categories for Best-selling Wholesale Nursery Plants in the USA North for 2022
Conifers
- Pinus Strobus (Eastern White Pine)
- Juniperus Virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar)
- Thuja Plicata Green Giant (Western Red Cedar)
Perennials
- Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
- Iris Versicolor (Blue Flag Iris)
- Juncus Effusus (Common Rush/Soft Rush)
Shrubs
- Viburnum Dentatum (Viburnum Arrowwood)
- Hamamelis Virginiana (Common Witch Hazel)
- Clethra Alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
Trees
- Cercis Canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)
- Quercus Rubra (Northern Red Oak)
Top-selling Conifer of 2022 in the USA (North)
Pinus Strobus
Common Name: Eastern White Pine
The Eastern White Pine is a popular choice for landscaping due to its fast growth rate, attractive blue-green needles, and adaptability to a variety of soil types. It’s also a great choice for privacy screens and windbreaks.
Fun Fact: Pinus Strobus was once known as the “tree of peace” among Native American tribes, who used its wood for canoes, lodges, and ceremonial items.
Juniperus Virginiana
Common Name: Eastern Red Cedar
The Eastern Red Cedar can be used as a specimen tree, hedge, or windbreak, making it a popular choice for landscapers. Its dark green foliage and red-brown bark make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Fun Fact: Many species of birds and mammals rely on Red Cedar berries as a primary food source, and its dense foliage provides excellent cover.
Thuja Plicata Green Giant
Common Name: Western Red Cedar
Ideal for use as a hedge or privacy screen, the Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice for residential and commercial landscaping. As a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 50 feet, it’s no wonder they are routinely featured in our list of wholesale nursery plants.
Fun Fact: Despite its name, the Western Red Cedar is not related to true cedar species.
Top-selling Perennials of 2022 in the USA (North)
Asclepias Tuberosa
Common Name: Butterfly Weed
Asclepias Tuberosa is a drought-tolerant perennial with vibrant orange flowers. It’s perfect for adding color to rock gardens and naturalized areas.
Fun Fact: As its name indicates the Butterfly Weed is a popular nectar source for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, which makes it an excellent choice for native gardens.
Iris Versicolor
Common Name: Blue Flag Iris
Iris Versicolor is a stunning perennial plant, ideal for adding color and texture to landscaping projects. With its vibrant blue flowers and tall, grass-like foliage, it adds a unique and elegant touch to any garden.
Fun Fact: Versicolor is also commonly known as the “harlequin blue flag”, derived from the plant’s color patterns resembling harlequin performers.
Juncus Effusus
Common Name: Soft Rush
Commonly known as Soft Rush, Juncus Effusus is great for wetland gardens, borders, and mass plantings. This hardy perennial grass is ideal for adding texture and movement to gardens and water features.
Fun Fact: Soft Rush is a popular choice for rain gardens, as it helps to slow down and filter stormwater runoff.
Top-selling Shrubs of 2022 in the USA (North)
Viburnum Dentatum
Common Name: Arrowwood Viburnum
Arrowwood offers a beautiful display of white flowers in spring and blue-black berries in fall, making it a versatile shrub that can add a splash of color in any season. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it suitable for a wide range of climate conditions.
Fun Fact: Native Americans used the straight branches of Viburnum Dentatum to make arrows – thereby giving it the name Arrowwood.
Hamamelis Virginiana
Common Name: Witch Hazel
The Witch Hazel is commonly used in landscaping for its unique, fragrant flowers and vibrant fall foliage. It is hardy, low-maintenance, and suitable for a range of soil types. Naturally, it’s one of the most popular wholesale nursery plants of 2022.
Fun Fact: The bark and leaves of the Witch Hazel have been traditionally used to make a soothing astringent that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Clethra Alnifolia
Common Name: Sweet Pepperbush
The Sweet Pepperbush is truly an all-season landscaping plant. It can be used as a shrub or small tree, and it is known for its fragrant white flowers in summer and colorful fall foliage.
Fun Fact: The bark and leaves of the Witch Hazel have been traditionally used to make a soothing astringent that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Top-selling Trees of 2022 in the USA (North)
Cercis Canadensis
Common Name: Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud is a popular ornamental tree for landscaping, with its vibrant pink or purple flowers in spring and heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. It is also hardy and low maintenance, making it the preferred choice of landscapers.
Fun Fact: Cercis Canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.
Acer Rubrum
Common Name: Red Maple
Its vibrant red foliage in fall and tolerance to a wide range of soil and climate conditions make Red Maple a go-to option as a street-side or a specimen tree. Their fast growth rate and the ability to reach over 40 ft make them suitable for both residential and commercial landscaping projects.
Fun Fact: The sap of the red maple can be used to create a slightly different flavor of maple syrup.
Quercus Rubra
Common Name: Northern Red Oak
Their vibrant red fall foliage, strong branching structure, and tolerance for a variety of soils, make the Northern Red Oaks perfect for a variety of landscaping projects.
Fun Fact: The wood of Northern Red Oak is often used for smoking meats and cheeses.
***
As we get ready for the 2023 landscaping season, which of these do you think will stay in demand? Let us know on Facebook!
