As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, it may seem like gardening has come to a halt. However, November is an ideal time to plant certain perennials and shrubs, allowing them to establish their roots before the cold weather fully sets in.
By planting now, you’ll be setting your garden up for a vibrant spring display. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best perennials and shrubs to plant in November and how to care for your existing plants through the colder months.
5 Perennials and Shrubs to Plant in November
November is the perfect time to plant hardy perennials and shrubs that can handle the winter chill and will thrive once spring arrives. Here are five excellent options to consider:
- Hellebores
- Lavender
- Heuchera
- Viburnum
- Winter Honeysuckle
1. Hellebores
Hellebores are evergreen perennials known for their stunning, nodding flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, often in shades of white, pink, and purple.
Benefits: They bring early colour to your garden when little else is in bloom and are highly resistant to frost. Hellebores prefer to be planted in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer partial or full shade and need to be planted at the same depth they were in their pots. Water them well after planting, and add a layer of mulch to protect the roots during the colder months.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a hardy shrub that’s easy to grow and works well in borders or containers. Lavender adds fragrance, and attracts pollinators like bees, and its silvery foliage can provide interest throughout the winter. Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. When planting, ensure the roots are spread out and that the plant sits at the same depth as it was in its pot. Water it well initially but avoid waterlogging the soil. Mulching around the base can help protect against winter frosts.
3. Heuchera
Heucheras are low-growing perennials known for their striking foliage in colours like burgundy, lime green, and purple. They produce delicate, airy flower spikes in the summer.
Benefits: Their vibrant foliage adds year-round interest, and they thrive in shady spots, adding texture and colour to areas where other plants may struggle. Heuchera prefers to be planted in well-drained soil, ideally in a shaded or partially shaded area. Make sure to mulch around the base to help protect the root system from frost and water during dry periods in winter.
4. Viburnum
Viburnum is a versatile shrub that comes in various species, with some producing beautiful winter flowers and others bearing fruit. This shrub can offer year-round interest with its foliage, blooms, and berries, while also providing food for birds. Viburnum prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant it at the same depth as its container and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect it from frost damage.
5. Winter Honeysuckle
This hardy shrub is famous for its fragrant, creamy white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring. Winter honeysuckle blooms in winter, bringing fragrance and life to the garden when little else is flowering. Plant this plant species in well-drained soil and in full sun or partial shade. It’s fairly low-maintenance but benefits from a light prune after flowering to keep its shape. Add mulch to protect the roots from harsh winter temperatures.
Plants Needing Extra Care in November
While November is great for planting hardy varieties, some plants in your garden may need extra protection to survive the cold months. Here are three plants that require a bit of extra care:
Dahlias
Dahlias are sensitive to frost, and their tubers should be dug up and stored indoors over the winter. After the first frost, cut back the stems and carefully lift the tubers. Let them dry for a few days before storing them in a cool, dark place like a shed or garage, wrapped in newspaper or placed in sand.
Roses
To protect roses from winter damage, consider mulching heavily around their base. You can also prune them lightly to reduce wind damage and protect the canes from breaking. If your area is prone to heavy frost, wrapping the base in horticultural fleece can provide additional protection.
Tender Perennials
Plants like fuchsias and pelargoniums should be brought inside or into a greenhouse. If they’re too large to move, wrap the pots in bubble wrap or fleece to insulate them. You can also cover the plants themselves with fleece during particularly cold spells.
Garden Maintenance Tasks for November
As the gardening season winds down, now is the perfect time to tidy up and prepare your garden for the winter months ahead. Here are some key maintenance tasks to keep your garden neat and ready for spring:
Clear Fallen Leaves
Rake up fallen leaves from your flower beds, lawns, and paths. If left, they can smother plants and provide a hiding spot for pests. Use the leaves to make leaf mould, a great soil conditioner for future use.
Cut Back Perennials
Once perennials have finished flowering, cut them back to prevent dead foliage from cluttering your beds. This will also help prevent disease and make room for new growth in the spring.
Tidy Borders and Paths
Use a garden fork or hoe to clean up your borders and paths. Remove any lingering weeds and ensure the edges of flower beds are neat. You can also apply a fresh layer of mulch to your beds to help suppress weeds over winter and maintain soil moisture.
By carrying out these simple maintenance tasks, you’ll ensure your garden remains tidy and ready for the next growing season.
How NGS Can Help you
At Norfolk Garden Services, we specialise in preparing your garden for winter, ensuring it thrives come spring. Our team is experienced in planting hardy perennials and shrubs like Hellebores, Lavender, and Viburnum, making sure they’re placed in ideal conditions to establish strong roots before the cold sets in.
For sensitive plants such as dahlias and tender perennials, we provide protection services, including lifting tubers, mulching, pruning, and wrapping plants to guard against frost. We can also offer indoor or greenhouse storage for plants needing extra warmth, giving you peace of mind throughout the winter months.
To find out more about how we can help you create the perfect, seasonal plant scheme get in touch by heading to our homepage and click the ‘Contact Us’ button.
Further Reading
What to Plant in December: Plant Cyclamens for Simplistic Beauty
Pruning Roses – Guide to Winter Pruning
Winter Perennial Protection: Shielding your Garden from the Cold
One Response
Your blog is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Keep up the amazing work!