15 Perennials to Plant in November Based on Frost Date
Did you know you can give many of your favorite perennials a head start by planting them in the fall? In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton shares which perennials benefit from fall planting and how to do it right.
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Although some flowers do pop up in fall and winter, spring and summer are definitely the seasons of floral color in gardens. However, that color doesn’t just appear overnight. Preparation starts early to ensure your perennials are ready to perform once spring arrives. That’s why even if you don’t have much else going on in the garden, November is a great time to plant hardy perennials.
Understanding your local climate and frost dates is crucial when planning late fall planting. While some gardeners may face early frosts, others in milder zones still have ideal conditions to get perennials established before winter fully sets in. Even in colder areas, with the right selection and a bit of protection, you can successfully plant perennials this month.
Get a head start on your spring garden now by planting one of these 15 perennials this November. Some establish in fall, while others use this time for cold stratification to trigger germination the following season. And some may even flower this winter.
Coneflower
Coneflowers are hardy perennials that actually prefer the cooler weather of fall planting. By planting them around two months before your first frost, you give them ample time to establish their root systems.
If you’re pushing into November when two months before first frost is only an option for gardeners in warmer zones, you can still plant them with some added protection. Frost covers are great for young plants, but a healthy layer of mulch also goes a long way. Varieties like ‘White Swan‘ and ‘Alan’s Pride‘ are my favorites for their color, something different from the classic purple coneflower.
Yarrow
If you’re looking for a perennial that is both beautiful and practical, yarrow is your answer. Planting yarrow in November provides the period of cold that will trigger growth the following season. You can also start seeds in a greenhouse and transplant them when temperatures rise again.
Yarrow is known for its ability to attract beneficial insects to your garden. It’s also drought-resistant once established and can tolerate most soil conditions with ease. Try ‘Colorado Blend’ for a mix of eye-catching hues that look amazing in cut-flower arrangements.
Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies are reliable perennials that bloom from summer into fall, adding a classic look to any ornamental bed. They can be planted throughout much of the year, including November (especially in milder climates).
If you’re in a cooler zone, you can still sow, but you may need to provide some frost protection to help them establish well. These daisies need plenty of sunlight, particularly in fall when the sunlight is less intense. As summer arrives, their bright white petals will liven up any garden bed.
Perennial Sweet Pea
While most sweet pea varieties are grown as annuals, there are perennial species you have to try if you love these flowers. Lathyrus latifolius extends the beloved sweet pea blooming season beyond one year, ideal for covering fences or trellises long-term. And if they’re on this list, you know they’re also cold-hardy.
It’s important to note that these climbing plants don’t tolerate extreme cold, so they’re best suited for milder climates where they can flower in winter (zones 8 and above). Planting them in November in these regions allows them to establish roots and prepare for a winter bloom. Alternatively, keep them protected in a greenhouse.
Black-Eyed Susan
A North American native, black-eyed Susan blooms from summer right up until first frost. Planting them now will give you a head start to secure this explosion of summer color. They’re great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Ideally, they should be sown about six weeks before your first frost, so early November is perfect for coastal regions. If you’re running late, you can also start them indoors and transplant them outdoors later.
Coral Bells
Need to add some color to your winter garden? Planting colorful coral bells in November is a great way to do it. These perennials do flower, but they are most beloved for their foliage in unique and rich colors and patterns.
Coral bells can survive in USDA zones down to 4 but need frost protection during extreme weather conditions. If your first frost date is looming, make sure the newly planted perennials are not exposed, or they will struggle to establish. In spring and summer, they produce delicate flower spikes that add an extra layer of interest to your perennial garden.
Hellebore
Hellebores are a staple in winter gardens, known for their ability to bloom even in the coldest months. They aren’t called Christmas roses for nothing. Planting now gives these perennials time to settle in and develop strong roots before temperatures drop too low to facilitate growth.
Choose cold-tolerant cultivars, especially if you’re gardening in lower zones, to ensure they can handle the winter chill. These plants are deer-resistant and thrive in shady spots, ideal for areas of the garden that are tough to plant in.
Allium
Onto perennial bulbs, alliums are must-haves when planting in fall. November is late but still a suitable time, as long as the ground is workable and there’s no imminent danger of a hard frost.
Choose a spot in the garden where their globe-shaped blooms can shine, or plant in pots if your ground is not workable. I prefer varieties like ‘Purple Sensation’ for a striking purple color, but if you prefer a more muted white, try ‘Ivory Queen‘.
Tulip
No spring garden is complete without tulips. While often treated as annuals, several species are perennials, returning year after year if conditions are right. Species tulips are the most reliable, but there are several varieties that bloom for many years (although some longer than others).
November is an excellent time to plant tulip bulbs anywhere the soil isn’t frozen. If you’re in a colder climate, you can also plant them in pots to keep outside or indoors. Planting them now ensures they’ll have the necessary chilling period to produce vibrant flowers in the spring.
Daffodil
Daffodils are the quintessential symbol of spring, and November is the last chance for gardeners in colder regions to get these bulbs into the ground for timely flowering. If you’re not sure which to pick, I love the sunny yellow hues of ‘Dutch Master‘ or the two-toned ‘Las Vegas‘, but there are so many wonderful options to choose from.
These cheerful flowers naturalize over time, filling your garden with more blooms each year. Plant them in well-draining soil in a sunny spot before the end of the month.
Hyacinth
For intricate, unusual blooms that stand out wherever they are planted, you need to plant hyacinths. ‘Miss Saigon‘ is one of those stand-out options, or opt for the more vivid ‘Blue Jacket‘.
These fragrant flowers can be grown in the ground or in pots if your soil isn’t workable. Due to their compact size, they’re also great choices for growing indoors. So if snow is already looming in your region, consider planting these perennials in decorative containers this November.
Hydrangea
While many gardeners opt to plant hydrangeas in the spring, fall planting is also an option you should consider. But I will say, November is the last chance to get them into the ground before winter sets in in most areas.
It’s best to plant them early in the month to minimize frost damage and give them time to establish their root systems. Choose cold-hardy types in cooler regions (smooth or panicle hydrangea varieties) to ensure your new perennial thrives.
Mums
Chrysanthemums are popular throughout fall, but these beauties aren’t just made for fall displays. They are also reliable additions to perennial garden beds or mixed containers.
Some varieties are surprisingly cold-hardy and can be planted in November. However, they will need some protection to help them establish before the coldest weather arrives. Mums need around two months to establish without frost to survive the winter. If you’ve missed the window due to an early first frost date, grow them indoors for now and transplant them out later.
Columbine
Columbine is a native wildflower that can handle winters in most parts of the US with ease. Ideally, you should sow seeds in fall, about six weeks before your first frost. If you predicted first frost around mid-November, provide protection like frost covers until they establish.
Once established, columbine is relatively low-maintenance and can self-seed, increasing your stock over time. Get them in the ground now to ensure they have enough time to settle in.
Penstemon
Another native and a must-have for any pollinator garden, penstemon is a magnet for hummingbirds and bees. These beauties are often overlooked, but they can be an effective backbone in perennial beds, growing well with annuals or other perennials to bring a buzz of life to the garden.
Varieties like ‘Rocky Mountain Blue‘ are hardy and resilient, capable of surviving in tougher conditions. Like columbine, plant them about six weeks before your first frost to give them the best chance to establish.
