Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Plant Nursery in East Sussex
Established in 2006, Athelas Plants is a family-run nursery nestled in the rural village of Hooe, East Sussex. Our passion for horticulture drives us to offer a diverse selection of architectural and traditional plants, from bold specimen palms to cottage garden favourites. We prioritise the principle of 'right plant, right place', providing tailored advice to coastal and inland gardeners alike. Our team of dedicated horticulturists combines expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring every visitor finds plants suited to their unique environment.With a reputation built on 5-star reviews, we pride ourselves on maintaining a respectful, knowledgeable approach to plant care and customer service. Our nursery features step-free access, a caf serving homemade meals, and a welcoming atmosphere for both trade and retail customers.
Services
Palm Trees
Bamboo
Arid Plants
Ornamental Grasses
Tropical Plants
Evergreen Shrubs
Herbaceous Perennials
Olive Trees
Ferns
Bougainvillea
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Family-run nursery with 18 years of horticultural expertise
- Diverse plant selection from tropical specimens to traditional shrubs
- Expert advice on plant suitability for coastal and inland gardens
- Award-winning customer service with 5-star Google Reviews
- On-site caf and accessible facilities for a relaxed shopping experience
What people say
Best range of hardy tropical plants
Friendly and helpful staff
Mind-boggling selection of exotic plants
Excellent delivery service
Graceful planting schemes
Services
Palm Trees
We offer a wide range of hardy palm trees including Phoenix, Fan, and Chusan Palms. These architectural plants thrive in coastal environments and provide year-round structure to gardens. Our stock includes varying sizes to suit both small and large spaces, with expert guidance available to ensure proper planting and care for optimal growth in your specific location.
Bamboo
Our bamboo collection features spreading and clumping varieties for instant garden screening. We provide root barriers and planting advice to manage growth effectively. From Phyllostachys to Fargesia species, our selection caters to different garden conditions, including shade-tolerant options. Staff expertise ensures you choose the right bamboo for your space while avoiding potential invasiveness.
Arid Plants
Specialising in yuccas, agaves, and dasylirions, our arid plant collection thrives in sunny, well-drained environments. These low-maintenance specimens offer architectural interest with spiky forms and require minimal watering once established. Our team provides detailed care instructions for successful cultivation, including soil preparation and winter protection strategies to ensure plant longevity in various garden conditions.
Ornamental Grasses
We stock a diverse range of ornamental grasses that add texture and movement to gardens. From fountain grasses to pampas grass, our selection suits exposed and challenging sites while providing winter interest through seed heads. Staff guidance covers planting techniques and maintenance tips to create dynamic landscapes that thrive in different soil types and weather conditions.
Tropical Plants
Our tropical collection includes bananas, cannas, and gingers available from late spring. These statement plants create jungle-like atmospheres in gardens and containers. We offer winter protection advice for non-hardy species and provide planting guidance to maximise growth potential. The nursery team shares expertise on creating tropical-themed gardens suited to local microclimates and soil conditions.
People
Matt
Co-Founder
Co-founder Matt brings extensive horticultural expertise to Athelas Plants. With over 18 years' experience in specimen plant cultivation, he specialises in matching plants to challenging environments. His passion for bold, architectural plants drives the nursery's unique selection and customer-focused approach to garden design solutions.
Sarah
Co-Founder
Co-founder Sarah contributes deep knowledge of traditional and tropical plants. Her horticultural background focuses on sustainable gardening practices and plant hardiness. Together with Matt, she ensures the nursery maintains its commitment to quality stock and expert advice tailored to both coastal and inland gardens across East Sussex.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Our nursery remains accessible during these hours year-round, with seasonal plant availability varying throughout the seasons.
Do you stock specific plants not listed online?
Contact us directly to check availability of specific plants. Our team will confirm current stock levels and advise on expected restocks for out-of-season items.
Can I get gardening advice from your staff?
Our horticulturists provide free expert advice on plant selection and care. We specialise in matching plants to coastal conditions and challenging garden environments across East Sussex.
Do you offer delivery services?
Yes, we provide carefully packaged delivery for plants. Competitive pricing and secure packaging ensure your plants arrive in excellent condition, with delivery options available across the UK.
Are gift vouchers available?
Gift vouchers can be purchased at the nursery or ordered by phone. We post physical vouchers to recipients, making them ideal gifts for gardening enthusiasts seeking unique plant specimens.
Reviews (5)
Alistair McNaught
Sep 23, 2021
Report
Stopped here by chance on a long journey, drawn to the tea rooms and farm shop. What a find. Delicious food, attentive and lovely staff and the best vegan chocolate torte in England!
Jay Jay
Sep 08, 2021
Report
Lovely owners! So warm, welcoming and friendly :) with a lot of useful advice and information and nothing was too much trouble. Plants are great, big choice of tropical plants and mature plants too! Definitely recommend A*
Vic Gardner
Aug 19, 2021
Report
Great place for different plants very good prices bought two plates today one that I have been looking for and they had it
David
Jul 20, 2021
Report
Great plants, quality costs a bit more but we'll worth it. Mature plant in abundance. Very helpful team. Lots of parking.
Shona Sharma
Jul 05, 2021
Report
Beautiful nursery with lovely and unusual plants. Sarah was warm, friendly and gave lots of useful advice on the yucca we bought. The owners care about their plants and the homes they go to which I found touching. I will definitely be returning.
Heres a photo of the yucca in our garden.
Heres a photo of the yucca in our garden.
