November
Clerodendron trichotum
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The clocks have gone back and the nights have drawn in. Everyone is doing the annual tidy up with the leaves that are now falling in their masses and gardeners everywhere are tidying up the last remains of any herbaceous plants before the ravages of winter arrive.
November as a gardening month can be bland but plants that offer interest in their structure and form come to the fore at this time of year; plants such as Corylus avellana "Contorta" or Twisted Hazel as it is aptly known. Its branches twist into amazing "cork screw" contortions bringing life and interest into any garden.
Or there is nothing better than seeing the fantastic bark of Prunus serrula in the early morning light, its beautifully rich, pure mahogany bark reflecting the sun's early morning rays. It is commonly known as the "Paper Bark Cherry" and is ideal for small gardens.
Ornamental grasses also come into their own at this time of year. Although they are dormant, the remains of their top growth stand like statues on frosty November mornings. Grasses to look out for are Miscanthus with their fan like seed heads; Stipa gigantea "Golden Oats" whose giant, spent, seed heads remain well into early winter and give your garden a different aspect.
A shrub that is widely known, Hypericum, has in its ranks a great contender for November interest - Hypericum androsaemum produces a magnificent display of rich black berries and also has the advantage of not being invasive as many of its near relatives are.
Shrub roses are known for being tough and disease free and can be pruned with a hedge trimmer! Rosa moyesii "Geranium" has single red blooms 6cms across which are followed by spectacular, brilliant red, flagon-shaped hips which last well into the winter months. If you have acidic soil a great shrub for November interest is Clerodendron trichotomum known as the "Glory Tree". It grows to 2.5m and produces fragrant, star-like, white flowers in September/October, followed by amazing china-blue berries which will produce a "wow" from anyone who sees them.
Who said November was boring in the garden?
Jobs for November
- This is the last month you can plant spring flowering bulbs
- Do not forget to net brassicas if you are plagued by wood pigeons
- Tidy up perennials and remove any dead, unsightly top growth
- Keep your lawn free of fallen leaves regularly
- Mulch tender plants such as hardy fuchsias
- Start spraying peaches and nectarines against peach leaf curl
- Check tree ties and stakes
Contact us on 0844 8220 777
