Las Pilitas Nursery - Santa Margarita, California

Lorraine W.

I purchased a Cercis occidentalis (western redbud). What I got was a barely alive not quite 4” high wiry looking redbud and a very sickly oenothera hockum (Hooker’s evening primrose) covering most of the bag they were shipped in. When I sent an email questioning why I was sent the second plant, Penny’s reply was if there is something else growing in the pot, they just leave it and if I don’t like it, to just peel it out.

When I replanted today, I found that the evening primrose had nearly choked off all the redbud’s roots. No wonder the redbud is so stunted and fragile looking. (Bear in mind, this is the plant I paid for.) The primrose was also in obvious distress, so I don’t know if either will survive transplanting. Their roots were completely enmeshed, and it took me a very long time to separate them. In addition to the mass of fine roots, the evening primrose had thick roots coiled all through the shared root ball; it was definitely killing the redbud. And soon as I opened the bag, a lot of the fine roots shed off with me even touching them – a very bad sign about the condition of both plants.

I believe I was sold a very distressed redbud that no-one else wanted. If I had seen this in person, I would have passed on it. I also figured there would be no way to return them (I doubt they would survive) and get my money back, so I am trying my best to recoup my cost by keeping both alive. However, I feel ripped off and will never order from this nursery again. I have ordered from other nurseries and have never received such poor-quality plants.

H. X.

Penny and Las Pilitas Nursery are awesome! So happy for their fall opening days. Penny and her team are very personable and the plants are rare/great/ecologically important. Beautiful and spectacular grounds for plant nerds.

Stephanie V.

Incredibly helpful staff, amazing variety and knowledge of native California plants. Plants are well cared for and in excellent shape. Shipping is very careful as well. I have ordered 10+ times and have never had an issue. Highly recommend.

Claudia S.

I purchased several woolly bluecurls and a scarlet bugler from LP while changing out my landcape to be all California native plants as part of the bewaterwise yard program where they pay you $2/sqft to plant natives.

The woolly bluecurls are easy to kill but oh so beautiful. All of them came healthy, grew fast and are still alive after 8 months.
I am happy this nursery is here and provides so much information and quality plants to their customers.
I get all my plants from Las Pilitas or T. Payne Foundation. Thank you very much.

Tonya J.

Penny and the crew are an amazing group of knowledgeable & helpful people. They have a great variety of CA native plants and seeds. The property is beautiful, and the drive to get there is absolutely stunning!

Meghan L.

I want to share that I had a wonderful experience ordering native plants that I couldn’t find locally, online with las pilitas. All of my plants were packed with care and I appreciate so much that the packaging included no plastics! My plants are healthy and happy!

Cheryl C.

It is quite a trek to visit this nursery, but in my opinion well worth the time (although you can purchase online from their extensive and entertaining website). Everyone here is super knowledgeable, helpful, and happy to spend time talking with customers. Every plant I have purchased here has thrived in my mostly native garden and, often, Las Pilitas is the only place I can find the natives I want.

Carissa T.

Las Pilitas has become my favorite nursery. Penny is such a joy to work with, and her expertise on CA native plants is beyond impressive. Thank you so much for helping me create a butterfly, bee, and bird friendly garden.