Hello from all of us here at Hilltop Garden Centre! November is a wonderful month to enjoy the quiet, crisp air in your garden, even if the weather is starting to cool down. Here at our garden centre in Clacton-on-Sea, we know that gardening in the colder months requires a few tips and tricks to keep things looking beautiful and productive all year round. November is the ideal time to plant certain hardy shrubs, tidy up beds, and even add some last-minute bulbs for a pop of spring colour. So, grab your gardening gloves and a hot cup of tea - here's a few of our top gardening jobs and tips for November!
Last chance to plant spring flowering bulbs
Thanks to the unseasonably warm weather we've been having, there's till time to plant spring bulbs! Narcissus, crocus, and tulips are all primed to be tucked into the ground before the frost really sets in. Planting now while the soil is still warm ensures that bulbs have enough time to establish before spring arrives, rewarding you with a stunning spring display.
We recommend planting your bulbs two to three times as deep as their height in well-drained soil. A sunny or partially shaded spot is ideal, but be sure to plant before the first frost arrives. You can cover them up with mulch or a garden fleece to protect against any sudden cold snaps. If you’re low on space, bulbs are perfectly suited for containers too, so you can add them to patio pots, window boxes, or borders. If you're looking for a spot of last-minute inspiration, you can currently get two 1.5kg bags of Narcissus bulbs for just £12 in-store, while our stock lasts.
Plant Callicarpa in November
Hilltop's plant of the month is Callicarpa - commonly known as beauty berry - which is just as magical as it sounds. With its clusters of vibrant purple berries, Callicarpa is a real showstopper and will add a beautiful splash of colour in your garden when there isn't much else in flower. What's more, the beautiful purple berries are known to attract birds, bringing wildlife into your garden.
Not only does Callicarpa look stunning, but it’s also a relatively low-maintenance shrub. Plant it in well-drained soil with partial shade, and it will look after itself! Beauty berry prefers neutral to acidic soil, so if the soil in your garden is on the alkaline side, plant using our Rocket Gro Ericaceous compost as this will prevent the leaves from yellowing. Lightly prune in the spring to keep the shape and size.
Tip: Pairing Callicarpa with evergreens can create a contrasting backdrop, bringing your garden to life even as the temperature drops.
Perfect planting time for Helleborus Niger and Roses
November is the perfect time to plant Helleborus Niger, also known as the Christmas Rose. This winter-flowering gem has lovely white blooms that brighten up any shady spot and add a festive feel right in time for Christmas. When planting Helleborus, look for a well-drained area that’s partially shaded, as these beautiful white blooms prefer protection from direct midday sun. To plant, dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and plant at soil level — Hellebores don’t like to be too deep. Add a little organic compost to enrich the soil (our Rocket Gro organic compost is ideal), then backfill and water in well. As the plant establishes, keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid water-logging. These beautiful plants are hardy, able to withstand frosts, and require little care once established. This November, we're giving away a Christmas Rose to every member of our Rewards Club who spends £10 or more in-store this month! To get your free plant each month, make sure you join our Rewards Club here.
Another favourite of ours to plant this month is roses. If you’ve been dreaming of a rose garden, this month is the prime time to plant bare-root roses. Choosing a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil will give your roses a healthy start. Remember to water well when planting and mulch to protect the roots. Planting now gives your roses the winter to settle in and grow strong so they flourish next summer. We've just received this season's stock of bare root roses in-store, so we have an abundance for you to choose from - and they're British grown.
Tidy up borders and beds
As plants begin to die back for winter, it’s time for a good tidy-up. Cutting back perennials, removing dead leaves, and mulching helps keep the garden healthy, reducing the chances of disease over winter. While many plants benefit from a seasonal cut-back, don’t be too quick to prune everything. Leaving some seed heads, such as those on coneflowers or sedum, adds texture to the garden and may also provide food for birds, while leaving hydrangea stems adds structure and interest.
Adding mulch to your borders will also protect plants from the cold weather, retaining soil moisture and gradually improving soil quality. At our Essex garden centre, we offer a variety of mulches, organic composts, and soil improvers to suit every garden, and every gardener!
Refresh autumn pots and containers
With summer annuals finished, refreshing pots and containers with hardy autumn and winter plants will keep your garden looking fresh and welcoming. Evergreens like miniature conifers, ivy, and winter pansies offer colour and texture throughout the winter months. Consider planting ornamental grasses too, as their graceful plumes add movement, creating a structural yet wistful look even when it's not blowing a gale!
If you’re short on time, don’t forget Hilltop’s hanging basket planting service! Just ask in-store for details, and we’ll create a beautiful autumn or winter basket that’s suited to your space and your budget.
Pop in and visit us!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect plant for winter interest, wanting to update your garden tools, or planning next season’s blooms, we’re here to help at Hilltop. Our knowledgeable team can give you advice on everything from Callicarpa to spring bulbs and more, making gardening easier and more enjoyable for you. And with our garden centre café serving seasonal treats, you can enjoy a warm drink and bite to eat after browsing our selection of autumn and winter plants.
So why not pop into our garden centre just outside Clacton-on-Sea this month? We’re more than just a garden centre — we’re a community hub for all your gardening needs. Whether you’re planting, tidying up, or just looking for inspiration, Hilltop Garden Centre is here to keep your garden thriving all year long.
