Nuccio’s Nurseries

I’m a Senior Caregiver here in Pasadena. It was finally a great day and I decided to take my client out for an adventure!
That’s how we came upon Nuccio’s Nurseries!
What a place! The owner greeted us in the parking lot and walked with us pointing out all of the different azaleas, the prices etc! Very friendly & nice!
My client was so very happy & excited to be here, she can’t wait to come back!
The owner also gave my client (yes — gave away) her very own azalea! My client was so excited she cried!

Didn’t even know this place existed until my Gardner told me to check it out. Family owned business that specializes in camillias and azaleas. Nice people working there who are extremely knowledgeable. Check them out.

Simply the best. I remember coming to Nuccios with my parents as a child. They were avid gardeners and Nuccios was a special destination nursey, and a vast fairyland to me.
Well, alot of years have passed, and Nuccios has remained the same in every wonderful way. Splendid camillias, azaleas and dogwoods, fantastic inventory, great prices, delightful and knowledgeable staff/​family and passion for their flora products. It’s like stepping back in time.
And I’m going today!

When you’re a plant enthusiast, going to a generic plant nursery no longer cuts it for you. For most people, you’re limited to what you see in catalogs and shopping online but nothing really beats going to a specialty nursery in person. When I was just a wee lad, I had gone to Descanso Gardens for camellia shows. I marveled at all the different variations in flowers and how people managed to breed such beauty into plants. There were all sorts of unusual colors and fragrances which to this day is still pretty rare within the camellia group. When I started appreciating the «tea» plant, yellows were just starting to be introduced. Buttermilk came on the market and we found out about it through a newspaper article. We decided to make a trip over and really see what the fuss was all about.
Nestled in the foothills of Altadena, Nuccio’s is an unassuming stretch of land that nurtures a beautiful nursery that anyone could appreciate. It’s literally rows upon rows of plants here that are mostly camellias but azaleas as well. After parking your car, you walk in and immediately see on display all the plants that are blooming at the moment. What makes me intrigued every time is how they manage to have so many plants blooming all year round. Every time you’re there there is something different and many to look at. From there you start your journey. Your appetite is already whet from the plants on display then you make your way through rows upon rows of plants, big and small. If you’re a camellia connoisseur already, then you can simply salivate over the thick catalog that they have by the counter. They have species that are impossible to find including the famous fragrant lutchuensis which always manages to sell out. They also have the famous yellow chrysantha which you will not find anywhere else.
I think best of all, they recognize those who are true camellia aficionados. They could easily spend hours with you talking about their plants, new varieties and showing you their private collection trees. There are things shown here that in all my years I have not seen anywhere else. If you’re lucky, you’ll get first dibs on some rare things.
Sometimes, I just like walking through their nursery here. It’s gorgeous and really one that I wouldn’t mind spending an entire day at. Keep an eye on their hours though because they’re not open every day and on rainy days they close early. If I could give this place an extra star I would. It’s that fantastic.

I’ve been buying camellias and azaleas from Nuccio’s for over 20 years. They are the epitome of a family-​owned business. They answer any and all questions, take time to understand what your needs are, and patiently show you the options to fulfill your needs. Through the years, Tom has helped us not only select the classic formal camellias, but has also introduced us to camellias with amazing growth forms and distinctive flowers. Tom is always very generous with his time and his expertise, and it’s always a pleasure to talk with him. We live in the San Diego area, and yes, it is worth it to drive to Pasadena to visit Nuccio’s. But Nuccio’s isn’t only about service. They have the best selection of camellias and azaleas in California, and probably the country. Nuccio’s has a great product, fabulous customer service, and the best selection around. How can you beat that?

This is the best place to buy azaleas. They have the most amazing selection of beautiful azaleas that I have ever seen. The older gentlemen who helped us was a priceless experience. He told us about each variety of azaleas and how they grow and the best soil to buy. You will not be disappointed

I echo the same sentiments expressed by others — amazing selection of azaleas and camellias of excellent health and price! Although they only accept cash or check, the proprietor was kind enough to let us mail a check since we had neither form of payment! We had never been there! I honestly thought this type of trust was extinct — what a refreshing business model in this day of putting the buck before true business! The staff members were readily available but not overbearing, which is the way I like it when I am browsing plants. I have no reason to go anywhere else to buy my camellias and azaleas, and I am going to be making space for some more in our yards very soon.

A wonderful family owned business that is an absolute treasure to the Altadena community. They are very knowledgeable about all types of plants and have developed their own beautiful breeds of camellias and azaleas.

I can not thank the owner enough for choosing me the most beautiful Camellias ever. thanks to him I started my own mini Camellia blog and also a mini Camellia Store in West Hollywood. Thank you Thank you Thank you

Unbelievable! We’ve lived in Altadena for 10 years and just discovered Nuccio’s this past weekend. I’d heard it was a «good nursery» so I called to ask if they had «pink azaleas». The person that answered the phone simply said, «Yes». Well… when we arrived it quickly became apparent that this was one of the top azalea nurseries in the world; they have every possible shade of pink azalea you can imagine; many are their own creations. Incredible variety. Very helpful and patient staff. What a gem! Highly recommend to anyone looking for azaleas or camellias. Note they do not take credit cards; cash or check.

Nuccio’s Nursery is a ONE OF A KIND establishment that specializes in camellia’s and azaleas and has been family run since the 1930’s. This is a must see place even if just to walk and browse the acreage of beautiful plants that no other nursery can match. Go during the blooming season come winter for a spectacle you will not forget. The plants are all propagated on site and these guys sell around the globe. The knowledge is beyond comprehension and the education is free!
A Southern California treasure! Be sure to check out the Southern California Camellia Society as well as the Camellia Shows around the southland.

This place looked awesome, it really did, but we never even got a chance to find out for ourselves. My partner and I had a HORRIBLE experience here when we went one sunday morning to check out their selection. As soon as we got out of the car, some grumpy old man told us to leave. He never said «Hi» or even acknowledged us, he just looked at us and said we had to leave. I’m guessing he’s homophobic and grumpy old man that doesn’t need our business, even though we’re looking to have our entire backyard planted wtih lots and lots of plants, grasses, trees, etc.
We tried to figure out what it was that made him act so negatively toward us and we were just never able to figure it out. There were other cars around so I know they were open, he was just standing there looking at us as we got out of the car and started to walk in to look at the plants.
Really bad customer service and HORRIBLE attitude towards customers that would have given them lots and LOTS of business, even though it sounds like they don’t need it. Good for them. I’m just glad that I know what kind of business they run and will happily NEVER GO BACK!

Without debate, Nuccio’s Nurseries is a 5 starred business. The intent of this review is to build a Unilocal awareness of Nuccio’s inside and outside of LA County. Within the horticultural community, Nuccio’s maintains a stellar reputation, no rancor or back-​biting. Even if gardeners haven’t visited this property, there is a distant appreciation of the breadth and depth of the collection of azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and other shade shrubs and trees grown at Nuccio’s in the foothills of Altadena. Before moving into the county, I knew about Nuccio’s through a subscription to Pacific Horticulture. The bulk of their business is wholesale.
When I checked this morning. Nuccio’s website
was «under construction». Read the other Unilocal posted for experiences with ordering and delivering from outside of the area. Nuccio’s also has an international business, and does not accept credit cards!
First off, Nuccio’s is worthy of a field trip for the experience of being in a full-​on specialized plant nursery properly sited in a splendid spot. Being able to observe the plants at close range growing in the recommended habitat is a way to develop an eye for the well-​growing plant. Do I possess the environment for these shade-​loving flora? Then, once the plant is in the ground, what is my memory of what the plants looked like here? Of course, what’s fantastic about Nuccio’s, is that returning for advice is always a real solution. This is an interactive business.
Then, there’s Tom. Having a one on one with Tom is a priceless experience. Originally when having moved into the county, I drove here with a question about plant identification. When I showed him the leaf, he said, «Viburnum.» I said, «Oh, yes!» When I asked him about tea camellias, he showed me what he had grown in pots, that he hadn’t had much success. Definitely it is easier to purchase tea, but the gardener always is curious about another’s experience. Of course, I couldn’t resist. Yes, I purchased a small potted tea camellia, and thoroughly enjoyed watching it beneath the redwood tree for a few years before it passed into compost.
Family-​owned businesses maintain hours of operation different from the big box stores. You know you’re a local, when what I am about to type becomes second nature. Nuccio’s Nurseries is closed Wed. and Thurs. all year; closed Sun. June through Dec. — hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm, except early on rain days. Today is a rain day.

If you’re interested in camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, look no further. This place churns out award «winning» (Charlie Sheen special) species and special hybrids. I’ve been here before to pick out a plant or two. Last week, I took my extended family on a hike to Millard Canyon and on the way back noticed they were open, even on a Sunday.
We just moved to a property with tons of shade and pine trees so decided this was a good time to do some creative landscaping. Tom, who is extremely knowledgeable, helped us decide on the different species and colors. As soon as I realized, we had 2 carts full of plants. Taking a deep breath, Tom tallied up the damage minus the one plant he gave to my daughter saying, «for my future customer», and handed me the invoice. I in turn handed him my credit card which they do not take. I guess they don’t have a phone line going up in those hills, cash and check only. Tom said, go ahead and send me a check in the mail. Really? I love the small town feel right in the middle of Los Angeles. Highly recommended if you’re into landscape and gardening. Thanks Tom.

This is an amazing nursery for azaleas and camellias. They have so many varieties. It’s not hard to find something you’ll fell in love with. The person who helped me was friendly and very knowledgeable. I think he maybe the owner of the place. I didn’t know that they only take cash and check. But no problem! He asked me to mail him a check later. Imagine that! I’m definitely going back for more!

The most amazing selection of azaleas and camellias anywhere plus dogwood trees and they deliver or ship! Go here and not anywhere else… Delightful, friendly, helpful people who know everything about these shrubs and don’t mind answering any questions. Great healthy stock and so many varieties and at a good price. It’s a really nice to visit and worth the drive and they have a nice way about them — they’re kind of old school — so their website just gives they think you need — «care» so they give you care instructions about the plants but they don’t spend time managing their site so they can «$ell more” — they spend time on their plants– they have a nice catalogue and you just write them and tell them what you want and they ship it and then you pay them and your plants arrive. They will be so beautiful you could post them in a magazine!

So, in the Chronicle Home & Garden section they have a Pick of the Week, a plant that is featured in great and seductive detail, including which local nurseries carry it. Not infrequently my attention is captured by these plants and I tear the article out of the paper for future consideration. A few weeks ago the plant was a Black Magic camellia, a dark, dark red w/​interesting saw-​toothed leaves. I started calling nurseries. It was a Thursday, so Berkeley Hort was closed. I called Orchard in Lafayette. The man I spoke to was nice but annoyed because they had none and evidently my call was far from the first he’s received about this plant. His annoyance was that the writer hadn’t checked whether the nurseries cited had the plant in stock. I called several other nurseries w/​o no luck. When I get on a hunt for something I can be a bit dogged. I even checked the web and found some at a nursery in North Carolina, but the cost of shipping the plant was going to be more than the plant itself. Eventually I went by Berkeley Hort and asked about it. They had a 5 gallon one, which would have required me to dig a hole much bigger than I’m capable of. I asked if they could order a 1 gallon one and they wrote down my request. A week or so later I got a call reporting that they were unable to get one from their source. He gave me the name and contact information for Nuccio’s.
I checked Nuccio’s website and they have no way to order online. I called the nursery and spoke w/​a man who confirmed that they had some one gallon plants. I requested two be sent to me. They don’t take orders over the phone and they don’t take credit cards. The deal is that you write them a note w/​your order, they send you the plants and then bill you for the plants, packing and shipping. I wrote them a note ordering two plants and asking that they be sent to me before we leave for South America March 5^th. A week or so later I received a confirmation w/​the shipping date as March 2^nd. I called them and said the shipping date was a problem. The man asked when I wanted it. I said right away. He said they’d have to call the agricultural inspector because it was going to Northern California, but that it would go out in a couple of days. I was concerned that the plants would arrive in time but that the bill might arrive after we’d left and it would take weeks before we could pay it. He laughed and said they wouldn’t send Guido to pound on our door if the bill weren’t paid right away. I loved that.
Friday morning we had a card left and then a phone call from our county’s agricultural department. They needed to inspect the plants when they arrived. Later Friday afternoon the plants were delivered. I called the architectural department to let them know and they said the inspector would be out today. I didn’t even open the box. We left it out on the deck. This morning he came over to inspect them and they passed. He said Nuccio’s is one of the best nurseries they deal w/​. The plants look beautiful. Tomorrow I’ll plant them during a break in the rain. I’m hoping the bill comes before we leave so I can pay them promptly, even if Guido won’t be at our door!