Native plant nurseries in the Phoenix area offer a valuable resource for purchasing plants suited to the Sonoran Desert’s unique and challenging climate. With this in mind, I compiled a list of recommended nurseries specializing in native species.. This is not an exhaustive list; in line with the general theme of this site, I am only including nurseries located in the Phoenix metropolitan area and south to Tucson.
Choosing plants that are native to the Sonoran Desert isn’t just smart—it’s a game-changer for anyone gardening in our unique and often harsh climate. Native plants are built to thrive in this desert environment, making your outdoor spaces more sustainable and easier to maintain. (Fig 1)
I have also included a few nurseries, or, for lack of better words, garden centers, and online stores that I patronize. When possible, I prefer to shop at smaller, locally owned nurseries. However, distance and availability are limiting factors. I have driven over 100 miles to purchase an Arbosana olive (Olea europaea) tree from a nursery in Apache Junction, AZ, only because it was unavailable in the West Valley.
Native Plant Nurseries in Phoenix (Metro Area)
Arizona Cactus Sales
Chandler
Desert Horizon Nursery
Queen Creek
Desert Foothills Gardens Nursery
Cave Creek
Dig It Gardens
Phoenix
Green Goddness Nursery
Phoenix
Jack Rabbit Nursery
Buckeye
North Scottsdale Nursery
Scottsdale
Old West Cactus Farm
Phoenix
Phoenix Desert Nursery
Phoenix
Summer Winds Nursery
Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix
The Green Goddess
Phoenix
Native Plant Nurseries Tucson Area
Bach's Cactus Nursery
Tucson
B&B Cactus Farm
Tucson
Borderlands Nursery & Seed
Patagonia
Civano Nursery
Tucson
Desert Survivors
Tucson
Green Things Nursery
Tucson
Nurseries I Frequent Regularly
Moon Valley Nurseries
Surprise, AZ
Moon Valley Nurseries is like a botanical amusement park, where trees are tagged with colorful "sold" ribbons, much like VIP guests at an international gathering of political dignitaries. It is one of my favorite nurseries, although I have only purchased a few plants here. Why? Es muy caro (very expensive)! The staff members are always eager to give you a tour of the colossal grounds, even if you leave with nothing more than good advice. Moon Valley has locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas.
Dig It
Phoenix, AZ
I describe Dig It as the Starbucks of plants. It's a boutique nursery located along a thoroughfare lined with tire shops and colorfully painted taco joints. Prices tend to be expensive, but this place evokes a distinct vibe that sets it apart from a typical nursery. It's an oasis of green surrounded by concrete and hydrocarbons. Their website has little to see, but their Instagram page is very active. Dig It also holds frequent workshops at its nursery.
Tropical Mango and Exotic Tropical Fruit Trees
Apache Junction, AZ
The name says it all! This nursery sells very few plants native to Arizona, hence the name, but that doesn't matter! Tucked along a stretch of road that has seen better days, the nursery is a collection of haphazardly placed mango and guava trees that spill out onto the walkways, half-shaded by patched-up tarps. The air is full of the scent of ripe fruit, and hand-painted signs hang among the greenery, like forgotten relics. It's a beautiful mess. If you're looking to push the boundaries of what is possible to grow in Phoenix, this is the place. My most recent purchase here was an Arbosana olive tree.
Arizona Cactus Growers
Surprise, AZ
Located at the end of a dirt road and hidden behind Justice Brothers citrus orchard, this is what a nursery is supposed to be. Jason and his wife, the owners, speak enthusiastically about their cacti as if they were their children. They are closed during the summer and open only on weekends the rest of the year. You can purchase most of the cacti they sell directly from their Etsy shop.
Etsy
Who knew Etsy wasn't just for handmade lavender soaps and macrame plant hangers? In reality, plants of all kinds have a considerable presence on Etsy. I shop here a lot! I have purchased everything from Mexican feather grass to grand nain banana plants. Also readily available is a large selection of seeds.
Lowes and Home Depot
Yes, I realize big box stores aren't exactly bastions of native flora—you're more likely to find a lawn gnome than a suguaro. But sometimes they're your closest neighbor and your wallet's best friend. I've purchased many plants at both stores, although I've a secret crush on the garden center at Lowes. I can't always afford an $800 Mexican fan palm from Moon Valley, so I opt for a smaller one that fits in my two-seater, for as little as $30. Lowes offers a one-year plant warranty for those of us who are proficient at killing plants. Steer clear of the queen palms imported from Florida. Phoenix ain't Miami!
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