November Show Stoppers

Pagoda Flower – CLERODENDRON PANICULATUM

This is a very deep-rooted herbaceous perennial that spreads vigorously by underground runners as well as seed. Although some gardeners would decry it as invasive, in my mind, it’s worth the trouble.
The 12” – 14” orange-red flowers on the attractive 4-5’ plant of shiny green, heart-shaped leaves will take your breath away in November.
An added bonus is its value as a food source for butterflies and other pollinators. The Pipevine Swallowtail is shown in the photo.

Red Cestrum – CESTRUM ELEGANS

This rambling evergreen shrub blooms in the Fall, followed by red berries.
It can reach 6’ - 8’ tall, so it’s best to lightly prune to shape & size in the spring, cutting some lower branches close to the ground for different levels of bloom in Oct – November.
It will take drought and endure less than perfect drainage as well.
This is deer-resistant in my yard.

Mexican Sunflower – TITHONIA ROTUNDIFOLIA

This easy-to-grow annual really comes into its own in November.
Although there is only one flower shown in the photo, the plant is covered in bright orange blooms.
This is a fast grower - reaching 3-6 feet tall with bright orange-red flowers blooming from mid-summer to fall
Loved by bees and butterflies - these Zebra Longwings are preparing to nectar on the flower.
Prefers full sun and average to well-drained soil but can thrive even in poorer soil.
Deer resistant
You can probably tell, I love butterflies! My favorite (waterproof!) guide can be found here.

Tasks To Tackle

PLANTING

The cooler weather of November is a good time to plant those trees, shrubs, and perennials you want to add to your garden. Planting now will give them plenty of time to grow roots, ready to flush in spring

PROPAGATING

Finish propagating any shrubs, vegetative annuals, or perennials you want to have ready to plant come spring. This will only work for plants still actively growing. This could mean collecting seeds on plants like "Dinner Plate" Hibiscus while other plants can be propagated by cuttings or even division.
Cuttings I am making to root include Red Cestrum, Golden Shrimp plant, Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra), Evergreen Hydrangea, Cats' Whiskers (Orthosiphon), Dune Sunflower, Plumaria and Salvias.
For cuttings, I cut below a node on non-flowering (if possible) stems making sure the stem is bendable but not too soft or hard. Next, stick the cutting in a rooting hormone in damp potting media containing only peat moss and perlite. After thoroughly watering in, I keep it evenly moist in a bright (but not direct sunlight) & warm area.
To store seeds, I leave them out to dry on the counter for a day or so, then put them in jars, Tupperware, or zip-lock bags and store them in the veggie drawer of the refrigerator.
Tropicals such as bromeliads, elephant ears, and gingers can be divided, potted, and kept in a greenhouse or enclosed garage. Let dry slightly between waterings.

PLANTING ANNUALS FOR WINTER COLOR

Along with ever-dependable pansies, violas, and snapdragons, there are many other annuals we can use for winter beds:

Delphiniums, Iceland Poppies, Dianthus, Dalmation Digitalis, Stock, Calendula (dwarf and tall types), Wallflower (Erysimum), Nemesia, Million Bells (Calibrachoa), Alyssum (Lobularia) & Petunias are all cold hardy annuals for our zone.
Pincushions (Scabiosa), Cardoons, and Anemones are perennials for winter bloom.
It's fun to include edibles such as Swiss Chard, Kale, Lettuces, and Giant Red Mustard in the winter garden.
There are several flowers such as Larkspur, White Lace Plant (Orlaya) (looks like baby's breath), and Linaria which can be directly sowed now for winter and spring blooms.
Want to learn more about sowing seeds? Check out the HORT's November 13 workshop with Brie Arthur. All info here.

My Favorite Tools

I highly recommend Red Pig Garden Tools, located in Oregon. Their tools are hand-forged from high-quality materials.

My all-time favorite hand weeder is their Broad Arrow Weeding Hoe
I also have their long-handled weeder that I use for bigger areas.
BTW, here's their tip on choosing the right shovel.

I also can’t do without my serrated edge spade - A. M. Leonard's Root Assassin - available with both short and long handles. I affectionately call it my "Velociraptor" for its ability to tear through roots when I'm digging.

Giving Natives Their Day

Cross Vine – BIGNONIA CAPREOLATA

This beauty is a perennial high-climbing woody vine with large, leathery green leaves. It grows in just about any condition as long as it has something to climb, even walls! It blooms from about July until a killing frost. If you slice the stem crosswise you’ll see 4 equal segments, the “cross” from which it gets its name. The leaves are not evergreen but the stem is.

Curator's Corner

Hello Fellow HORT Members.

As some of you know, for many years I operated a wholesale nursery on Johns Island growing annuals, perennials, and tropicals.

Although I closed Church Creek Nursery in 2020, I still maintain my gardens, particularly my tropical garden, and am happy to finally have the time to do so. BTW, all of the pictures above were taken in my garden.

I have been an active member of the Hort since 2004 and loved welcoming so many members to my garden for the August Gardeners Happy Hour.

The Hort has allowed me to share my love of plants with so many outstanding plant people. Jim Martin and Neltie Linker, as well as those who have left us - Fran Read, Patti McGee, and Ruth Knopf, are just a few of the people who expanded my world of plants.

Let's keep growing greener together.

Nancy Hart

P.S. Visit my garden anytime here. It is a garden tour without getting your hands dirty (but don’t worry, I get plenty dirty for everyone!).

P.S.S Did you miss the August Gardener’s Happy Hour? Check out all the fun in our event photo album here. It’s almost like you were there...minus the cocktails!

Nancy Hart pictured in her Johns Island Garden.

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