It's Not Too Late - Plant This Flower In November For Stunning Winter Color
Knowing when it's officially too late to plant anything in the fall can be tricky and depends largely on where you live. However, if you're looking for something that will add some much needed color to your winter garden then hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) are a great plant to invest in this November. Hellebores, with their pink or purple blossoms, are long-living perennials that you can enjoy for years to come. Typically planted in the fall or the spring, these low-maintenance flowers are a lovely addition to any garden.
One unique thing about hellebores is that their flowers, unlike most flowering plants, do not consist of petals. Instead, the flowers you see are actually sepals which last for quite a long time and help protect the flower. In mild climates, you can expect your hellebores to bloom by early winter, but in cooler areas it may not happen until late winter or early spring.
Plant hellebores in your garden this November
Most hellebore species are hardy in zones 3 through 9 and prefer an environment with partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Although November isn't too late to get your hellebores in the ground, you won't want to waste too much time, as the plant will need 4 to 5 weeks to establish its roots before the ground freezes. Try your best to get planting before the 16th of November to give your hellebores a fair shot. While the plant's green leaves are quite beautiful, in harsh winters the foliage can become quite a tattered mess and may require some light pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage to make way for new growth.
When picking an area to plant hellebores, keep in mind that they can spread through self-seeding. When looking to grow new plants, look for these little seedlings around the base of your hellebore and transplant them. New plants can also be obtained by dividing the clumps in spring. Because hellebore are so low-maintenance, they're one of the best plants to pass along to beginner gardeners after you divide them in the spring, so don't be afraid to share.