Limited-Supply Plants to Pre-Order
If you’ve ever shown up at Del’s garden center looking for a specific tree —and heard “we had one, but it sold fast”—you already understand the problem. The most impressive, high-demand outdoor plants aren’t items we can restock overnight. They’re often allocated by growers, produced in limited quantities, and tied to short ordering windows—so when they’re gone, they’re usually gone for the season.
This guide is for anyone who wants something hard-to-find and worth planting: homeowners chasing instant shade and curb appeal, collectors who love unique forms, and shoppers who want a statement plant that makes the yard look “done” right away. And if you’re planning a project—front-yard focal point, privacy/structure planting, or a meaningful memorial tree—pre-ordering is how you avoid settling for second choice.
Below are two of the hardest-to-get outdoor plant picks we see customers ask for, plus exactly where to plant them, what to expect for sizing and timing, and the simple first-year steps that help them thrive. But first, why?
What “limited-supply” means for plants
“Limited supply” isn’t a marketing phrase—it’s how the outdoor plant world actually works. Many premium trees and specialty evergreens take years to produce, and growers can only allocate so many each season. That’s why certain plants (and especially certain sizes) disappear quickly.
Why pre-ordering matters
Pre-ordering isn’t just about getting a plant—it’s about getting the right plant: the size you want, the cultivar you want, and the best-looking specimen available. Pre-orders also help reduce last-minute substitutions and increase the chances of securing plants that are often allocated or sold in small quantities.
How pre-order works
Here’s the easy process:
- Choose your plant + size (container size, caliper, or height) and any preferred cultivar/color when applicable.
- We confirm the arrival window
- Installation + success tips our landscape team plants it correctly from day one.
If you’re ready to stop guessing what will be available, pre-ordering is the most reliable way to get a premium outdoor plant before the season sells through. Now let’s get into the plant spotlights.
A Little About Our Landscape Team
Every project begins with a conversation. We listen to your ideas, survey your property, and then design a landscape plan that fits your style, space, and budget to present back to you so that the conversation can continue. Our crews install each element with precision so your landscape looks exceptional from the start and continues to flourish for years. Whether you want a small refresh or a complete transformation, work with a team that continues to be committed to quality and care.
Plant Spotlight
Autumn Blaze Maple
Why it’s rare / why pre-order
If you’re looking for instant impact landscaping, this is one of those trees you can’t count on finding last-minute. Large-caliper Autumn Blaze Maples are limited from growers, seasonal, and often have long lead-time / shipping windows. Beth noted you typically only see about one semi-load per year, and your store is often the only local source most years—so if someone wants one, pre-ordering is the safest way to lock it in.
Best use for your property
- Shade tree for the home
- Statement focal point in a front yard
- Memorial tree
Where to plant it
- Sun: Best in full sun for strongest growth and canopy development.
- Soil & drainage: Average garden soils are fine, avoid areas that stay wet/soggy after rain.
- Spacing: Give it plenty of room to grow—avoid planting too close to the house, driveway, or overhead lines.
- Microclimate tips: Del’s staff recommends the southwest corner of the home for the best shade value (great for late-day sun and comfort)
What it looks like (the ‘wow’ factor)
This tree is all about size, shape, and instant presence. In the larger calipers, it arrives already tall and impressive, and the canopy creates instant shade—a true “you can feel the difference” landscape upgrade.
Planting + first-year success
- Best planting time: Spring or fall (great windows for establishing trees).
- First-year watering: Water thoroughly the first few days, then every 2–3 days for a few weeks, and then 2x per week until established.
- Most common mistake: Planting too deep — plant at the correct height so the tree can establish properly.
Long-Term care
Once established, care is pretty straightforward—this is mostly a “plant it right, water it well early” kind of tree. The biggest challenge isn’t long-term maintenance—it’s the installation logistics for larger sizes.
Sizes, lead time, and what to expect
- Most-wanted sizes:4” caliper and 6” caliper
- 4” is more manageable with equipment; 6” is extremely impressive but may require rented equipment / install help.
- Price range: $3,300–$4,500 (depending on size)
- Lead time: Varies a lot (seasonal + allocation-based)
- Ordering note: As a garden center, we may need to reach a minimum order amount before placing the order.
Weeping White Spruce
Why it’s rare / why pre-order
Weeping White Spruce is one of those specialty evergreens that tends to be limited from growers, seasonal, and can sell out fast—especially in the more impressive, landscape-ready sizes. We can sometimes source more from a different supplier, but it’s often cost-prohibitive, and many of these unique specimens come from specialty growers like Iseli Nursery in Oregon—so pre-ordering is the best way to secure one.
Best use for your property
- Statement Evergreen (a unique shape that immediately stands out)
- Vertical Accent for narrow spaces (big height without taking much width)
- Collector / Conversation piece
Where to plant it
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil & drainage: Best in well-drained soil (avoid spots that stay soggy)
- Spacing: It can teach roughly 40 ft tall and about 3-4 ft wide, so give it room to grow upward while keeping clearance from structures.
- Microclimate tips: Don’t plant it under an overhang or powerline. Mulch around it for best results, and consider winter protection. (link to #6)
What it looks the (the ‘wow’ factor)
This one gets attention because of the weeping branches and the tall, dramatic silhouette—people stop and stare at the bigger specimens. Todd’s description nailed it: it looks like it belongs in an animated Christmas movie, and it’s especially striking after a fresh snowfall.
Planting + first-year success
- Best planting time: Spring or fall (typical best windows for trees/evergreens)
- First-year watering: Plan on 5–10 gallons every 2nd or 3rd day depending on heat/wind/dryness. After about 12 weeks, reduce to 1–2 times per week (unless it’s very hot and dry).
- Most common mistake: Planting it where it won’t have future clearance—avoid overhangs and power lines from day one.
Long-term care
This is generally beginner-friendly once it’s planted correctly. For best winter performance, we recommend using Wilt-Pruf to help prevent wintertime desiccation, especially in exposed, windy areas.
Sizes, lead time, and what to expect
- Most-wanted size: Often sold/ordered as a 60-gallon pot, since it’s easier to plant than even bigger specimens (and you can bring in more of them).
- Price range: About $297–$1,287 (depends on size)
- Lead time: Varies a lot
- Best time to order: ASAP / anytime, with a strong push in late winter (Feb–Mar) to lock in seasonal availability.
If you want one of these plants, our biggest tip is simple: don’t wait for “the weekend we finally have time.” Limited-supply trees and specialty evergreens come in on tight grower windows, and the best sizes disappear first.
If you’re interested, stop in or call us and tell us:
- which plant you want,
- the size you’re hoping for,
- and where you’re thinking of planting it.
We’ll help you pick the right fit, confirm timing, and make sure you leave with a clear plan so it thrives once it’s in the ground.
Contact Us Here:
Address: 1808 11th Street Southeast
Phone: (712) 262 – 4912
Email: counter@delsgardencenter.com
Stop in, call, or reach out anytime—we’re here to help you grow with confidence, all year long.