Open in App
  • Local
  • Headlines
  • Election
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • Irish Star

    Garden expert's 9 flowers to plant in or before November to inspire 'beautiful' spring blooms

    By John O'sullivan,

    1 days ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1w01kx_0w27pDdk00

    November is typically a quiet month for garden blooms, with the chilly weather often proving too harsh for plant life to flourish. However, there are certain flower species that - even in the colder climate - can be planted during November, ready to bloom come spring.

    Irish gardening guru Niall McCauley , on his popular YouTube channel, has highlighted 9 flowers that can be planted at this time of year and that - if his advice is followed correctly - will ensure your garden is bursting with vibrant blooms once winter ends . Despite the challenges that the cold months can pose for flower germination, Niall's seed suggestions offer the best chance of a thriving garden.

    Niall's first seed suggestion was Fox and Cubs , also known as Pilosella, which can be sown at any time throughout the year. This small but hardy perennial boasts stunning, fiery red flowers, referred to as the foxes, and its accompanying buds, known as the cubs.

    It may be necessary to toughen up the seeds indoors and allow them to germinate before planting them outdoors. With a bit of luck, you'll be greeted with visually striking flowers early next spring.

    Anthriscus sylvestnis 'Ravenswing' are stunning blooms, with white heads that resemble a cluster of stars. It's crucial to sow the seeds fresh, as we're approaching the end of the optimal planting period.

    Start them off outdoors under cover and you could be rewarded with a beautiful display of ravenswings come flowering season.

    Next up on the Irishman's list are Pelargoniums , often referred to as indoor or bedding geraniums. They offer a spectrum of colours from vibrant red to whites and deep pinks.

    Beyond their visual appeal, these plants' leaves also emit an incredible fragrance - some carry a rose scent while others have a lemony aroma, adding another layer to their charm.

    Fortunately, they're easy to germinate. Simply scatter some seeds onto a pot of compost and a touch of warmth will speed up their growth.

    They can also be germinated indoors, but low light levels might hamper their development, so a conservatory-like setting - if planted indoors - offers the ideal environment with ample heat and light.

    Niall is also fond of Ajuga , another flower that can be planted in November. This ground cover plant can produce striking blue and purple flowers, complemented by green and purple leaves.

    It spreads quickly, but not aggressively, making it a popular choice for bordering features like rock gardens. Niall has proclaimed it an essential addition, describing it as a "must-have" for any garden, noting how this plant can flourish even in shaded areas.

    Niall's gardening mate on YouTube, @LizZorab, chimed in with her top tip. She advised that if one could only introduce a single bloom in November, the Sweet Pea should be the go-to choice.

    She suggested to sow two to three seeds in each pot, ideally housed within a greenhouse, ensuring they are watered from beneath and placed in a spot out of the wind.

    She recommended keeping them in an undisturbed area, which often involves elevating them above ground level. Despite being robust enough to withstand a touch of frost, using a polytunnel and suspending the pot-filled baskets aloft will safeguard them against gluttonous mice, which have a particular penchant for sweet pea seeds.

    When watering the seeds, take care not to drench the earth but at the same time, don't shirk your watering responsibilities allowing the soil to become parched.

    Highlighting bulbs perfect for November planting to herald the arrival of spring blooms, Niall named Tulips as an absolute garden staple. Although they may fall short in duration, their stunning display more than compensates, with Copper image, a captivating kind flaunting a peach orange/bronze coloration.

    The 'Black parrot', with its wine red - verging on black - hue, makes for an intriguing tulip variety. For those seeking something with a more delicate appeal, the Irish horticulturist suggests the 'Doll's minuet' as the third and final tulip pick. It might be tinier than its counterparts, yet it doesn't lack in splendid visuals.

    Springtime in British and Irish gardens shines with the presence of daffodils; their yellow blossoms are best planted in November. Towering up to 40 centimetres and perfect for pots, the 'Winston Churchill' daffodil blooms with white petals and a vibrant yellow to orange center.

    As Niall describes, they offer an enchanting fragrance, lending "something special for your garden."

    Niall, our green-fingered maestro from Ireland, also recommends planting Dutch Irises in November. These striking flowers burst forth in late spring into early summer, showcasing a palette of blues, yellows, whites, purples and even reds, standing proudly at potentially two feet in height.

    Their peak may be short-lived, but cultivating them is well worth the effort for the stunning show they provide. Particularly eye-catching is the 'red ember' variety.

    For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

    Expand All
    Comments /
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local News newsLocal News
    Alameda Post21 days ago

    Comments / 0