Outdoor Plants, Trees & Shrubs

Outdoor plants grown for Southern California: shade and fruit trees, flowering shrubs, perennials, California natives and drought-tolerant favorites. Browse the departments below, then visit any of our five garden centers to see them in person.

Dahlias with the words bright lights outdoor plants.

Outdoor plants are, of course, one of Green Thumb’s specialties.  Our plant nursery and garden center stores carry a wide span of options from unique, hard-to-find outdoor plants to the popular classics. Our Garden Center experts can help you find the perfect outdoor plants for your home garden or landscaping projects. We have been rated as one of the best places to buy outdoor plants in Southern California for years. We believe this is due to our amazing outdoor plant experts and outstanding selection of florist quality outdoor plants. However, we welcome you to visit one of our store locations and judge for yourself.

New to Green Thumb Nursery? Take a sneak peak below of just some of the kinds of outdoor plants that we offer at our Southern California nurseries.

Cacti

A close up of a green cactus with spikes.

Succulents

A row of potted succulents on a wooden bench.

Evergreens

A close up of a green plant with the words evergreens.

Ferns

Ferns on a green background with the words ferns.

Water Plants

A blue water lily in a pond with green leaves.

Tropical Plants

An image of a tropical leaf.

Annuals

Annuals zinnias zinnias zinnias zinnias zinni.

Perennials

A white flower with the words perennials on it.

Bonsai

A small bonsai tree in a pot.

Roses

A yellow and red rose with the word roses written on it.

Grasses

A group of potted plants with the words grasses.

Drought Tolerant Plants

An orange flower with the words drought tolerant plants.

Vines + Trellises

A wooden trellis with pink flowers in it.

Groundcovering Plants

A close up of a group of green plants with text that reads groundcovers.

Milkweed

A monarch butterfly on a milkweed plant.

Herbs + Veggies

Herbs and vegetables are growing in pots in a garden.

Trees

An apple on a branch with green leaves.

Shrubs

A close up of a plant with red leaves.

Citrus

A tree with oranges growing in it.

Fruit

Two strawberries hanging from a potted plant.

Each of our five Green Thumb Nursery and Garden Center store locations provide exceptional customer service, highly knowledgably gardening experts, landscape design services, a wide assortment of outdoor plants, succulents, pond plants, citrus trees, patio furniture, lawn and garden supplies, gardening equipment, accessories and more. Find out why so many people throughout Southern California turn to Green Thumb Nursery for all of they lawn and gardening needs.

Want to See Our Full Outdoor Plants Selection In-Person? Visit One of Our Five SoCal Retail Locations Today!

Green Thumb Nursery in Canoga Park  | Green Thumb Nursery in Lake Forest | Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos | Green Thumb Nursery in Ventura | Green Thumb Nursery in Santa Clarita

Want to See Other Products That We Carry In-Store?

Indoor Plants

A close up of a plant with green leaves.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

An orange upholstered chair with a metal frame.

Planters + Containers

A row of colorful pots on a shelf in a store.

What to Grow Outdoors in Southern California

Southern California's mild climate means something is always worth planting. These are the outdoor plant departments you will find at every Green Thumb Nursery garden center:

Trees and Shrubs

Shade trees, privacy hedges, and flowering ornamentals suited to SoCal yards. Not sure where to start? See our guide to low maintenance shade trees and our advice on choosing trees that will not disturb plumbing.

Roses

Bush, climbing, and tree roses, with bare-root season arriving every January. Our rose growing guide covers planting and care.

California Natives and Drought-Tolerant Plants

Water-wise choices that thrive here naturally. Learn what drought tolerant really means and which varieties earn a spot in your yard.

Fruit Trees and Edibles

Citrus, avocados, stone fruit, and berries for backyard harvests. See how to grow avocados and our plan for 12 months of homegrown fruit.

Seasonal Color and Perennials

Flower beds and containers that look good all year, including perennials that bloom through a SoCal winter.

When to Plant Outdoors in Southern California

Fall is the best overall planting season in Southern California: warm soil and cooler air help trees, shrubs, natives, and perennials establish roots before summer. January is bare-root season for roses and fruit trees, and spring is prime time for vegetables and summer color. See what to plant in fall for this season's picks.

Outdoor Plants FAQs

Where can I buy outdoor plants near me in Southern California?

Green Thumb Nursery carries outdoor plants at all five of its garden centers: Ventura, Canoga Park, Santa Clarita, Lake Forest, and San Marcos. See store locations, hours, and phone numbers. In-store selection changes with the season, so call your store if you are after something specific.

When is the best time to plant outdoor plants in Southern California?

Fall. Planting from October through early winter gives trees, shrubs, and perennials time to establish roots in warm soil before the heat of summer. Spring is the next best window, especially for vegetables and summer annuals.

Does Green Thumb Nursery sell California native plants?

Yes. Every Green Thumb store stocks California natives and drought-tolerant plants, and fall is the ideal season to plant them. Our Certified Garden Experts can point you to natives that fit your yard's sun and watering conditions.