El jardinero tells the story of Elmer and his controlling mother, La China Jurado, who runs a garden centre that hides another thriving underground murder-for-hire business. Killing is easy for Elmer. An accident has left him emotionless. However, while planning the murder of Violet, a charming nursery school teacher, he falls in love with her. Elmer must learn to love while his mother does everything she can to end Violet's life.