November marks the transition to colder and wetter weather. While it's not the most active planting season, there are still some cold-tolerant plants you can consider for planting. Here are some options:
Spring-Flowering Bulbs: November is a perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths. They will establish roots over the winter and bloom in early spring.
Garlic and Shallots: Plant garlic and shallot bulbs for a summer harvest. They can tolerate the winter cold and will benefit from a head start in the ground.
Perennial Plants: Plant hardy perennial flowers and shrubs. They have time to establish their root systems before the growing season starts in spring.
Winter Greens: In milder regions of the UK, you can plant winter-hardy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and winter lettuce for a winter and early spring harvest.
Fruit Trees and Bushes: November is a suitable time for planting fruit trees, including apple and pear trees, as well as fruit bushes like blackcurrants, redcurrants, and gooseberries. The small Tibetan cherry tree (Prunus serrula) has a glossy bronze bark that is a spectacular sight in winter.
Bare-Root Roses: Nurseries often offer bare-root roses in November. It's a good time to plant them before the ground becomes too cold.
Heathers: Plant heathers, which are excellent for adding colour to your garden during the colder months.
Winter-flowering shrubs: If you like unusual plants then look out for Wintersweet, daphne and Stachyurus praecox. They can be planted in autumn and will flower during the winter. Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’ can also be planted during the autumn and will produce fragrant pink flowers from November to March. Evergreen Christmas box (Sarcococca hookeriana) can also be planted if the soil isn't frozen and will produce sweet-smelling white blooms during the winter.
Don't forget to ensure that the soil is well-draining, and add compost or organic matter to improve its structure. Mulch the newly planted areas to help protect them from frost and reduce weed growth and be prepared to provide protection for young plants during particularly cold spells.
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