Best Nurseries in New Orleans: Top Plant Shops & Louisiana Garden Centers
New Orleans's plant scene is as distinctive as the city itself—lush, tropical, and deeply rooted in tradition. The Crescent City's humid subtropical climate allows year-round gardening with plants that make visitors from colder climates envious: bananas, gingers, citrus, and camellias flourish in Louisiana's rich soil.
The metro area offers nurseries from historic neighborhoods like the Garden District and Irish Channel to suburban centers on the North Shore. New Orleans gardens are legendary—courtyard plantings, shotgun house gardens, and the grand oaks that define the city.
What makes New Orleans special is the passion. Gardening here isn't just a hobby—it's part of the culture. Local nurseries understand the unique challenges of Louisiana's heat, humidity, and hurricanes while celebrating the incredible plants that thrive.
Top Nurseries in New Orleans
We're still building our directory for New Orleans. Check back soon or browse all nurseries.
Growing in Humid Subtropical Climate
The humid subtropical climate creates excellent conditions for a wide variety of houseplants. High humidity levels mean tropical plants thrive without much extra care, and mild winters allow many plants to live outdoors year-round. However, the heat and humidity can also encourage pests and fungal issues, so good air circulation is essential.
Best Plants for New Orleans
- Tropical foliage plants (Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos)
- Ferns and humidity-loving plants
- Orchids and bromeliads
- Peace lilies and Spathiphyllum varieties
- Calatheas and prayer plants
More Challenging Plants
- Succulents (except in very bright, well-drained spots)
- Cacti (require careful watering)
- Plants sensitive to high humidity
Seasonal Tips for New Orleans
Spring and fall are ideal for purchasing new plants, as they'll acclimate easily. Summer heat can stress newly potted plants, so provide extra shade. Winter is mild but watch for occasional frost warnings—bring tender plants indoors during cold snaps.
Plant Shopping in New Orleans: Local Insights
- New Orleans courtyard gardens are legendary and define the city's character
- Magazine Street and the Bywater have New Orleans's trendiest plant boutiques
- The New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park provides local plant education
- Louisiana's climate allows growing tropical plants that won't survive elsewhere in the US
- Hurricane preparedness is part of gardening in New Orleans
Tips for Buying Plants in New Orleans
Finding the right nursery can make all the difference in your plant journey. Here's what to look for when shopping in New Orleans.
Check Plant Health Before Buying
Inspect leaves for yellowing, spots, or pest damage. Healthy plants have firm stems and vibrant foliage. Don't be afraid to gently tip the pot and check root health—white roots are good, brown or mushy roots signal problems.
Ask About Local Growing Conditions
Local nurseries understand your area's unique climate challenges. They can recommend varieties that thrive here and help you avoid plants that struggle in local conditions. This expertise is worth more than any online guide.
Consider the Journey Home
Weather can stress plants during transport. In summer, never leave plants in a hot car. In winter, wrap them for the trip. Many nurseries offer protective wrapping or delivery for sensitive plants.
Look for Locally Grown Stock
Plants grown locally are already acclimated to your area's conditions. They'll transition to your home more easily than plants shipped from different climates.
Build a Relationship
The best nurseries become long-term resources. Staff can track what you've bought, remember your successes and challenges, and provide ongoing support as your collection grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and shopping at nurseries in New Orleans.
Top New Orleans nurseries include Harold's Plants, Urban Roots, and Pelican Greenhouse. For houseplants and unique tropicals, visit Magazine Street and Bywater boutiques.
Tropical and subtropical plants thrive: bananas, gingers, camellias, and citrus. Louisiana natives like swamp lily and iris handle local conditions. Many houseplants grow outdoors.
Magazine Street boutiques, Bywater shops, and local nurseries have excellent houseplant selections. In New Orleans, many "houseplants" can live outdoors year-round.
Fall and winter (October-March) are ideal—cooler temps and moderate rainfall. Spring works too. Avoid planting during peak summer heat unless you water diligently.
Louisiana Native Plant Society sales, Longue Vue House gardens, and local specialty nurseries feature natives. Many area nurseries stock Louisiana and Gulf Coast species.
Choose wind-resistant varieties, stake young trees, and have a plan for containers. Local nurseries can recommend hurricane-hardy plants suited to New Orleans conditions.