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10 Plant Nurseries in Pasadena, CA

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Top Rated Farms in PASADENA

Armstrong Garden Centers
πŸ’¬ 427 reviews⭐ 4.6
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Armstrong Garden Centers

Retail garden center and nursery. Top products: Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Houseplants, Vegetable plants, Garden supplies. Armstrong Garden Centers is a well-established retail horticultural business operating since 1889. With a network of 27 retail nurseries, the company functions as an employee-owned enterprise focused on providing high-quality ornamental and edible plants to local homeowners and gardening enthusiasts. Their core offerings include a wide selection of trees, shrubs, roses, houseplants, and seasonal vegetable plants, all of which are carefully vetted and inspected to meet strict quality standards. Beyond retail plant sales, Armstrong provides professional landscape design and custom installation services. The company emphasizes a 'Gardening Without Guesswork' philosophy, leveraging a team of horticulturists and local garden experts to offer advice, tips, and support to customers. They maintain a commitment to plant health and customer satisfaction, evidenced by their lifetime guarantee on all trees and shrubs sold. Their operations support both in-store browsing and convenient online ordering for curbside pickup or local delivery.

πŸ“East Glenarm Street, Pasadena, California, 91106, US
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Present Perfect Nursery
πŸ’¬ 80 reviews⭐ 4.9
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Present Perfect Nursery

πŸ“3115, Brandon Street, Pasadena, California, 91107, US
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Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery
πŸ’¬ 44 reviews⭐ 5
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Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery

Native plant habitat nursery. Top products: Native plants, Local flora. Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery is an environmental restoration-focused horticultural operation located within the Hahamongna Watershed Park in the Arroyo Seco. Operated by the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the nursery is dedicated to the cultivation of native plant species indigenous to the San Gabriel Mountains and the surrounding watershed. Their primary mission is to provide the biological material necessary for regional habitat restoration projects aimed at preserving the natural landscape and supporting local biodiversity, including the restoration of trout populations. The nursery functions as a specialized facility that integrates ecological advocacy with practical cultivation, supplying vegetation critical to the ecological health of the Arroyo Seco. Their operations are strictly aligned with regional conservation goals, focusing on the propagation of plant life that promotes habitat stability, watershed resilience, and the overall protection of Southern California's native botanical ecosystems.

πŸ“4570, West Rim Trail, Pasadena, California, 91102, US
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Bellefontaine Nursery
πŸ’¬ 38 reviews⭐ 4.9
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Bellefontaine Nursery

Retail Garden Center Nursery. Top products: Native and drought-tolerant plants, Organic amendments, Herbs and vegetable starts, Fruit trees, Bare root roses. Bellefontaine Nursery, located in Pasadena, California, is an established retail garden center dedicated to providing high-quality plant material and personalized service. The nursery serves urban gardeners, homeowners, and local plant enthusiasts by offering a wide variety of botanical products including perennials, shrubs, fruit trees, and an extensive selection of native and drought-tolerant California-friendly flora. Their inventory is supported by long-standing relationships with local growers, allowing for custom plant sourcing. Beyond plant stock, the business emphasizes sustainable gardening practices, supplying organic soil amendments and professional horticultural advice to ensure customer success. They focus heavily on ecological stewardship, evidenced by their specialized collection of milkweed varieties (Asclepias) to support monarch butterfly populations and native plants designed to attract pollinators. The nursery also features a gift shop and maintains a strong community presence through educational outreach.

πŸ“838 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
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Pasadena Roots
πŸ’¬ 20 reviews⭐ 4.6
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Pasadena Roots

πŸ“871, East Washington Boulevard, Pasadena, California, 91104, US
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Crown Valley Nursery
πŸ’¬ 10 reviews⭐ 4.9
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Crown Valley Nursery

Ornamental and Fruit Tree Nursery. Top products: Flowering Trees, Fruit Trees, Shrub Roses, Vines, Eucalyptus. Crown Valley Nursery operates as a specialized horticultural retailer, focusing on a diverse inventory of ornamental trees, fruit-bearing varieties, and flowering shrubs. Their catalog features a wide selection of species including various Acacias, Redbuds, Mandevillas, and roses, alongside fruit-bearing trees such as pomegranates, nectarines, apricots, and persimmons. The nursery caters to homeowners and landscaping enthusiasts looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with specific cultivars like the 'Flame Thrower' Redbud or 'Sun Parasol' Mandevilla. Their business model facilitates direct-to-consumer sales through an online platform, offering a range of price points for different stages of plant development. By providing both classic garden staples and more unique horticultural specimens, Crown Valley Nursery serves as a supplier for gardeners seeking to integrate mature, high-quality botanical elements into their residential landscapes.

πŸ“3117, East Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena, California, 91107, US
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Nursery By Landscape Warehouse
πŸ’¬ 6 reviews⭐ 5
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Nursery By Landscape Warehouse

Full-Service Retail/Wholesale Nursery. Top products: Trees and Palms, Shrubs and Hedges, Succulents and Cacti, Bulk Soil and Compost, Seasonal Flowers. Nursery By Landscape Warehouse is a comprehensive horticultural supplier and retail nursery based in Pasadena, California, operating across three large lots totaling 10 acres. With over 25 years of industry experience, the business serves a diverse clientele including professional landscapers, contractors, designers, and local homeowners. Their core business model focuses on providing a wide inventory of locally-acclimated plant material, including ornamental trees, palms, privacy hedges, shrubs, and drought-tolerant succulents. In addition to plant sales, they specialize in soil health, offering bulk quantities of compost, planting mixes, and mulch. The nursery emphasizes expert guidance, project consultations, and delivery services to support projects ranging from small residential garden refreshes to large-scale professional landscape installations. Their mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable greenery and essential landscape materials through a professional, service-oriented environment.

πŸ“149, South Kinneloa Avenue, Pasadena, California, 91107, US
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American Growers Plus - Pasadena
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American Growers Plus - Pasadena

Drought-tolerant and fruit nursery. Top products: Drought-tolerant plants, California native plants, Fruit trees, Succulents, Soil and fertilizer. American Growers Plus (operating in the Southern California region) is a family-owned plant nursery dedicated to providing a diverse selection of horticultural products for residential and commercial landscape projects. The nursery specializes in drought-tolerant flora and California native plants, catering to local water-wise landscaping initiatives. Their inventory includes a broad range of shrubbery, hedges, and succulent varieties. Beyond live plants, the nursery provides essential horticultural supplies including planter's mix, manure, bark, various fertilizers, and grass seed. Their fruit tree selection is a notable specialty, featuring common citrus like navel oranges and apples alongside unique varieties such as quince and kumquats. The business serves both individual homeowners looking to enhance their personal gardens and professional landscapers, offering delivery services for larger orders. Their mission focuses on integrating natural, sustainable greenery into the urban Southern California landscape.

πŸ“3150, East Sierra Madre Boulevard, Pasadena, California, 91107, US
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Girasol Nursery Inc - Pasadena Yard
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Girasol Nursery Inc - Pasadena Yard

Wholesale and retail plant nursery. Top products: quality plant liners, ornamental plants, nursery stock. Girasol Nursery, Inc. is a professional horticultural operation specializing in the production and supply of quality plant liners. Operating with locations in both Pico Rivera and Pasadena, California, the nursery serves a diverse clientele ranging from industry professionals to the general public. Their business model centers on providing consistent, high-quality plant materials at competitive prices, emphasizing professionalism and reliability in their service. By maintaining a structured monthly availability schedule, they facilitate efficient purchasing for landscapers, garden centers, and individual homeowners. The nursery focuses on traditional cultivation methods to ensure robust plant health, positioning itself as a dependable source for landscape and gardening needs within the California region. Their Pasadena location functions as a dedicated public-facing yard, ensuring that their horticultural offerings are accessible for regional projects.

πŸ“3250 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
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The Magic of Growing, LLC
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The Magic of Growing, LLC

Wholesale ornamental and native nursery. Top products: Native plants, Pollinator-friendly plants, Ground cover plants, Fragrant ornamental plants. The Magic of Growing, LLC is a wholesale plant nursery based in Pasadena, California, founded by Diana and Manuel Salazar. Leveraging Manuel Salazar’s two decades of experience in landscape design, the business serves as a supplier of horticultural products. The nursery focuses on a diverse range of plant offerings, specifically highlighting species that support local ecology, such as plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Their inventory includes ground cover alternatives, native plant species suited for local oak ecosystems, and a variety of seasonal and fragrant plants designed to enhance garden aesthetics. The business operates with a professional focus on the wholesale market, requiring clients to provide a California Resale Certificate for purchases. They cater to professional landscapers, designers, and likely retail clients seeking high-quality plant stock for residential and commercial garden projects.

πŸ“2795 Eaton Canyon Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
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Local Nursery Scene in Pasadena

Pasadena presents a distinct horticultural environment defined by USDA zones 9b and 10a. This climate demands a strategic approach to plant selection, prioritizing drought tolerance and water-wise landscaping. With 10 identified nurseries and garden centers, the city offers a spectrum of services ranging from retail consumer shops to specialized wholesale nurseries that focus on native plant restoration. Homeowners must navigate these options based on their specific project needs, whether it is installing a residential privacy hedge or restoring native habitat with indigenous flora. The current market allows for significant access to locally acclimated plant stock, which often performs better than varieties shipped from vastly different climate zones.

Comparison of Top Nurseries

Nursery NameRatingSpecializationType
Armstrong Garden Centers4.6Ornamental & Edible PlantsRetail Garden Center
Present Perfect Nursery4.9General PlantsGeneral Nursery
Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery5.0Native Habitat RestorationNative Plant Nursery
Bellefontaine Nursery4.9Native & Drought-TolerantRetail Garden Center
Pasadena Roots4.6General PlantsGeneral Nursery
Crown Valley Nursery4.9Ornamental & Fruit TreesSpecialized Nursery
Nursery By Landscape Warehouse5.0Bulk Materials & TreesFull-Service Retail/Wholesale
Girasol Nursery IncN/APlant Liners & StockWholesale/Retail
American Growers PlusN/ADrought-Tolerant & FruitDrought-Tolerant Nursery
The Magic of Growing, LLCN/ANative & Pollinator PlantsWholesale Nursery

Deep Dive into Nurseries

Armstrong Garden Centers: A cornerstone of the area since 1889, this employee-owned business provides a reliable, high-quality retail experience. They specialize in ornamental plants and provide a lifetime guarantee on all trees and shrubs sold.

Present Perfect Nursery: This highly rated facility functions as a general plant source for local enthusiasts. It maintains a strong reputation among consumers for plant variety and quality.

Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery: Operated by the Arroyo Seco Foundation, this facility serves an essential role in environmental restoration. Their focus is exclusively on plant species indigenous to the San Gabriel Mountains to support biodiversity.

Bellefontaine Nursery: This shop caters to eco-conscious gardeners by providing drought-tolerant flora and organic soil amendments. They are particularly recognized for their specialized milkweed collections designed to sustain monarch butterfly populations.

Pasadena Roots: Functioning as a general nursery, this business serves as a local resource for everyday gardening needs. It provides a standard selection of plants suited for residential cultivation.

Crown Valley Nursery: This nursery offers an impressive array of flowering and fruit-bearing trees, including rare specimens like the 'Flame Thrower' Redbud. Their direct-to-consumer online sales model makes high-quality ornamental stock accessible to homeowners.

Nursery By Landscape Warehouse: Spanning 10 acres, this massive operation is ideal for large-scale landscaping projects. They provide everything from privacy hedges to bulk compost and professional-grade installation consultations.

Girasol Nursery Inc: As a provider of plant liners, this nursery focuses on professional-grade stock. For the individual buyer, this means access to young, robust plants that are often used by contractors to establish new landscape beds.

American Growers Plus: Specializing in water-wise plants and citrus, this nursery provides essential soil and fertilizer supplies alongside their botanical inventory. Their mission is heavily focused on sustainable, California-appropriate landscaping.

The Magic of Growing, LLC: Operating primarily as a wholesale supplier, this business requires a California Resale Certificate. They specialize in native plants and fragrant ornamentals, perfect for large-scale ecological garden designs.

Buying Guide for CA Gardeners

  • Choose Native First: Native plants such as California Lilac or Ceanothus are evolved to survive our Mediterranean climate. They require significantly less water and attract local pollinators.
  • Check Plant Health: Inspect root systems by gently removing the plant from its container. Avoid specimens with circling, girdling roots or signs of pest infestations on the undersides of leaves.
  • Prioritize Acclimated Stock: Buying from local growers ensures your plants are already used to Pasadena's specific light intensity and heat levels. This reduces transplant shock compared to plants imported from humid or cooler regions.
  • Seasonal Timing: Fall is the premier planting season in Southern California. The cooling air temperatures and warming soil allow root systems to establish before the heat of summer arrives.
  • Soil Amendments: Pasadena soils can be heavy or clay-based. Always incorporate local compost or organic matter before planting to improve drainage and nutrient availability for new arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time of year to plant in Pasadena?

A: Fall is the optimal time for planting in Pasadena. As the summer heat fades, cooling air temperatures combine with still-warm soil to create ideal conditions for root development. Planting during the fall allows your trees, shrubs, and perennials to establish a strong root system before the intense heat of the following summer, significantly increasing their chances of long-term survival and reducing irrigation requirements.

Q: How do native plants benefit my Pasadena garden?

A: Native plants are naturally adapted to the local Mediterranean climate, meaning they require significantly less water once established than exotic species. By integrating native flora like California sagebrush or buckwheat, you create a habitat that supports local butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. These plants are also more resistant to local pests and diseases, reducing your need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Q: What is the difference between a nursery and a garden center?

A: A nursery typically focuses on the production and cultivation of plants, sometimes specializing in wholesale quantities or specific plant families like native flora or fruit trees. In contrast, a retail garden center acts more like a department store for gardeners, offering a broader mix of pre-grown plants, hardscaping materials, tools, fertilizers, and decorative items. Many businesses in Pasadena operate as a hybrid of both models to serve diverse customer needs.

Q: Why should I avoid buying plants from big-box retailers?

A: Plants found in local independent nurseries in Pasadena are often sourced from regional growers, meaning they are already acclimated to our specific hardiness zone. Big-box retailers often ship inventory from across the country, subjecting plants to transit stress and climate shocks. Local nurseries provide specialized expert advice and higher-quality, locally-hardened stock that is far more likely to thrive in your specific garden environment.

Q: Do I need to amend my soil in Pasadena?

A: Yes, local soil often varies between clay-heavy deposits and rocky terrain. Before planting, it is highly recommended to amend your soil with high-quality, organic compost. This addition improves the soil structure by increasing aeration and drainage, while simultaneously providing the slow-release nutrients that young plants need for healthy root growth. Consulting with your local nursery about specific soil tests can ensure you use the right amendments for your landscape.

⭐ 4.8 average rating across 10 verified nurseries in Pasadena

The most popular reviews:

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David Bullock4 months ago

Had exactly what I was looking for and on top of it gave me a discount for it. Super friendly staff and good selection. Definitely recommend!

β€” Crown Valley Nursery
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Ashley Fontanetta6 months ago

I love this place! Beautiful selection of native plants and very friendly folks there to help show you around. I felt so much better (and better informed) buying plants here and supporting this nonprofit than buying from Home Depot. My life is forever changed for the better.

β€” Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery